A democracy which makes or even effectively prepares for modern, scientific war must necessarily cease to be democratic. No country can be really well prepared for modern war unless it is governed by a tyrant, at the head of a highly trained and perfectly obedient bureaucracy.

Summary

This quote suggests that in order for a democracy to effectively prepare for modern warfare, it will inevitably lose its democratic nature. It argues that to be well-prepared for war, a country must be governed by a tyrant, leading a bureaucracy that is highly trained and obedient. The quote implies that the nature of democracy, which values and encompasses diverse perspectives and debates, may hinder the ability to swiftly and efficiently mobilize resources and act decisively in times of war.

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