Why is defense policy a mix of majoritarian and elite politics?

Answer 1

In the general context of "Society and Civilization," the defense policy of a given social group or nation is for several reasons a mixture of majoritarian and elite politics. For one thing, even many totalitarian or absolute societies are influenced by the opinions and feelings of the mass-majority, despite the fact that ultimate decision-making power lies in the hands of elites. For another thing, where democratic societies are concerned, the mass-majority is constitutionally significant: the "elites" in power in such societies cannot formulate policies, defense-oriented or otherwise, without some consideration being given to the will of the people -- at least, not without repercussions of some kind.