Are standing armies an integral feature of egalitarian societies?

Answer 1

Standing armies are not inherently an integral feature of egalitarian societies. While some egalitarian societies may maintain standing armies for defense and security, others prioritize local militias or community-based defense systems that reflect their egalitarian values. The presence of a standing army can sometimes contradict egalitarian principles, particularly if it leads to hierarchical structures or social inequality. Ultimately, the relationship between standing armies and egalitarianism varies depending on the specific societal context and values at play.