Question

If you were to ask the people of Kuwait in 1990 about the primary function of their government, or the citizens of the Ukraine today, or the people of Poland in 1939, how might they answer? What about those living in New York City on 9/11? What is the primary role or function of any government, and place, any time in history? If the government fails to perform this crucial function...nothing else matters! Hint: Why did China build the great wall? If the government can't protect itself NOTHING ELSE MATTERS!

Answer 1

The answer to this question is highly subjective and can be changed, manipulated and vindicated based on popular sentiment. The role of government during invasion of Kuwait, Invasion of Poland by Nazis and New Yorkers during 9/11 are all justified responses to the role of government as the protector of the Nation and its interests. If it fails in this primary purpose, there can't be discussion about further developments. but basing the entirety of the discussion around the protector role leads to the rise of xenophobia, hypernationlism and extreme reliance on militarial institutions which impact the democratic institutions by weakening them or pushing them into grip of jingoistic elements. This was evident from countries like Nazi Germany during Interwar period, Pakistan during 1970s, Spain during 1920s.