ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the first of a two-part case for public military monopolization. The position that the author defend for public monopolization is referred to as the risk-prevention argument. According to the risk-prevention argument, private military authorization is unjustifiable and public military monopolization justifiable, because private military authorization would impose considerable risks on individuals who lack a say in authorization. Versions of the risk-prevention argument have been sketched by several political theorists, some registering their support for its conclusion and others expressing opposition. The author constructs a version of the risk-prevention argument that includes the full range of wars under the reach of its conclusion and attempts to shore up the weaknesses that challenge alternative versions. The risk-prevention argument for public military monopolization may be captured in two broad premises: the all affected fundamental interests premise and the risk-imposition of war premise.
