Introducton. The article is devoted to the analysis of the social foundations of war in the context of emergence and development of capitalism. The historical, political, ethical and anthropological foundations of war as a way of social human existence are considered. Theoretical analysis. It is proposed to consider the relationship between war and revolution through the historical transformation of the methodological concept of “freedom” (Hannah Arendt). The temporal vector of war and revolution in the binary opposition “past – future” is determined. The relationship between militarism and capitalism in Werner Sombart’s social anthropology is analyzed. It is shown that the establishment of militarism is a necessary condition for capitalism. The main characteristics of the modern army are revealed: the economic basis, continuity, public administration, differentiation of leadership and executive functions. The double essence of war is noted: it destroys the old in order to create a new. Empirical analysis. A philosophical and political understanding of the specific socio-historical experience of Germany in the 30–40s of the 20th century made it possible to identify the genesis of National Socialism, identify the causes of its emergence and development. The anthropological principles of National Socialism are revealed through the oppositions of “them or us”, “yours or someone else’s”, “friend or foe”, “normality or abnormality”. Conclusion. It is concluded that militarism and capitalism are inherently identical concepts. The essense of imperialism lies in racial politics and unlimited expansion.