This German notion may confidently be set down as the lowest of the current conceptions of peace; or perhaps rather as the notion of peace reduced to the lowest terms at which it continues to be recognisable as such.

Next beyond in that direction lies the notion of armistice; which differs from this conception of peace chiefly in connoting specifically a definite and relatively short interval between warlike operations.
The conception of peace as being a period of preparation for war has many adherents outside the Fatherland, of course.

Indeed, it has probably a wider vogue and a readier acceptance among men who interest themselves in questions of peace and war than any other.

It goes hand in hand with that militant nationalism that is taken for granted, conventionally, as the common ground of those international relations that play a part in diplomatic intercourse.

It is the diplomatist's _metier_ to talk war in parables of peace.