TCS once again, with modern applications of some old truths that Kipling (and for that matter the republican Romans) would have understood without thinking about.
Proving leadership by leading troops into battle is the oldest trick in the book. Except that it’s not a trick — it’s real and it works. The motto of the Palmach, the legendary military unit in Israel’s 1947-48 War of Independence, was aharay, “follow me!” Historically, one of the strongest rationales for kingship was the monarch’s presumed military effectiveness. So in the modern era, as kings fell out of the habit of leading armies, their political power fell away, too.
After examining the historical background of involvement of the UK Royal House with the military since George II, it is noted that:
“…both William and Harry joined the Army. Moreover, both made it clear that they expect to go into action with their units, in Iraq or Afghanistan, where more than 100 British troops have been killed in action. As Harry said last September, “The last thing I said was there’s no way I’m going to put myself through Sandhurst and then sit on my arse back home while my boys are out fighting for their country. That may sound very patriotic, but it’s true.” Actually, it sounds pretty good.
It’s safe to assume that press agents and spin doctors had a hand in getting this information out to the public, but so what? If it’s real, it’s real. Reality is the rock upon which spin shatters. Besides, the media saturation that William and Harry receive will cut both ways: Yes, they are stars, but being a star in a place like Iraq or Afghanistan — where the terrorists are tuned in, too — is risky. Stardom could turn into martyrdom. In the words of The Daily Mail, “If they share the fear and bear themselves well, they, the country and the monarchy will all be stronger for it.”
So there’s the lesson for today: Shared sacrifice is the key to legitimacy. As Shakespeare’s Henry V trumpeted at Agincourt, “For he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother.” That’s the brotherhood that keeps nations together and keeps dynasties in power. Oh, and by the way, the same lesson applies to other dynasties, too. The moment that members of a powerful family seem to have insulated themselves from the fortunes of a nation, their value to that nation is finished.
(Are you listening Senator Kennedy?)
The war in Afghanistan is popular enough, albeit obscure. The war in Iraq is unpopular. But here’s a prediction, based on history from both sides of the Atlantic: In the future, the most powerful political leaders on national-security matters will be drawn from those who went Over There and did their bit. Those future leaders may be hawkish, or they may be dovish, but if they stepped forward and said, “Send me,” they will be heard with respect in the years ahead.
Times have changed, as they always do, but some verities of political leadership never change. A nation, be it a monarchy or a republic, will always most admire those who serve their people selflessly — and riskily.
Interestingly enough, as of now, the officially titled British ruling class is acquitting itself better than the officially meritocratic American ruling class.
Hear, hear!