La Grande Guerra come segno della crisi della civiltà nell’interpretazione della scuola austriaca

Abstract

The world is commemorating 100 years since the start of the First World War. It is a momentous occasion to remember, commemorate, and attempt to elaborate what were the pivotal reasons behind the outbreak. Normally, the historiographical reconstructions are predominantly unilateral leaving little room for valid and often more thought-out alternative perspectives. Take the school of economic thought that goes by the name of "Austrian School". It makes one of its fundamental pillars the marginalism as introduced by Carl Menger whose contributes in many areas of economic and social sciences are undisputed. On this premises, respectful thinkers of the calibre of Mises, Hayek, Popper, and Rothbard, positing the pervasive and intrinsic evil nature of the State, have always considered the "total war" the inevitable consequence of the creation of the "total State". This interpretation allows for a more meaningful and accurate understanding of the First World War by pointing out the very nature of that conflict, vis-à-vis the clash of States, and not a conflict among peoples. Furthermore, the First World War represents the dramatic overture of a century that has witnessed the consequences of the perfect State.