by Thomas Hobbes, a 17th-century English philosopher, is often considered a foundational figure for classical realism in international relations, particularly through his work Leviathan (1651). While Hobbes himself did not write explicitly about international relations, his ideas about human nature, the state of nature, and the necessity of power and authority have deeply influenced classical realist thought. Here’s how Hobbes’s ideas connect to classical realism:
1. Human Nature and the Drive for Power
- Hobbes: Hobbes famously described human nature as inherently self-interested, competitive, and driven by a desire for power. In the absence of authority, he argued, humans are in a constant state of conflict, as everyone seeks to dominate others to ensure their own survival.
- Classical Realism: Classical realists like Hans Morgenthau similarly emphasize the role of human nature in international politics. They argue that states, like individuals, are driven by a will to power and a desire to dominate, which leads to competition and conflict.
2. The State of Nature and Anarchy
- Hobbes: Hobbes described the “state of nature” as a condition of anarchy, where there is no higher authority to enforce rules or maintain order. In this state, life is “nasty, brutish, and short,” as individuals are in constant fear of violence and death.
- Classical Realism: Classical realists apply this concept to the international system, which they see as anarchic. In the absence of a global authority, states must rely on their own power to survive, leading to a perpetual struggle for security and dominance.
3. Self-Interest and Survival
- Hobbes: Hobbes argued that individuals act primarily out of self-interest and a desire for self-preservation. To escape the chaos of the state of nature, they form a social contract and create a sovereign authority (the Leviathan) to maintain order.
- Classical Realism: Classical realists view states as rational actors that prioritize their own survival and security. In the anarchic international system, states must act in their self-interest, often at the expense of others, to ensure their survival.
4. Moral Skepticism
- Hobbes: Hobbes was skeptical about the role of morality in the state of nature, arguing that concepts of right and wrong are meaningless without a sovereign authority to enforce them.
- Classical Realism: Classical realists share this skepticism, arguing that moral principles are often subordinate to the demands of power and survival in international politics. They believe that states cannot afford to prioritize morality over their own security.
5. The Role of Power
- Hobbes: For Hobbes, power is central to maintaining order and preventing chaos. The Leviathan, or sovereign, must have absolute power to enforce laws and protect individuals from each other.
- Classical Realism: Similarly, classical realists see power as the primary currency in international relations. States must accumulate and wield power to protect themselves and influence others in an anarchic system.
6. Conflict as Inevitable
- Hobbes: Hobbes believed that conflict is an inevitable result of human nature and the absence of a higher authority. Without a sovereign, individuals are in a perpetual state of war.
- Classical Realism: Classical realists argue that conflict is an inherent feature of international relations due to the anarchic system and the competitive nature of states. War is not an aberration but a natural outcome of power politics.
Key Difference:
While Hobbes focused on the domestic level (the relationship between individuals and the sovereign), classical realists extend his ideas to the international level, applying his insights about human nature, anarchy, and power to the behavior of states.
Conclusion:
Thomas Hobbes’s ideas about human nature, anarchy, and the necessity of power provide a philosophical foundation for classical realism. His depiction of the state of nature as a war of “all against all” mirrors the classical realist view of international relations as a competitive and conflictual arena where states must prioritize survival and power above all else. Hobbes’s influence is evident in the works of classical realists like Hans Morgenthau, who similarly emphasize the role of power, self-interest, and the absence of a global authority in shaping state behavior.
