Hobbes

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Hobbes Theory of Human NatureHobbes’ View Human Nature
Hobbes argues that it is human nature for man to be selfish and unable to establish trust with other people. Human beings only participate in actions that are directly beneficial to them and lead to self-preservation. He argues that men may acknowledge others to be more learned, witty and eloquent but they will not believe that the same people are wiser than themselves (Hobbes Chapter XIII). The selfish nature of man leads him to strive for power, dominance, and glory which may lead to war against each other unless there is a common power that unites them.
Understanding Hobbes’ State of Nature
When Hobbes mentions “the state of nature” in his work, he refers to a condition whereby people are at war with each other, and they live a solitary, brutish, and short lives due to lack of a collective power to unite them (Hobbes Chapter XIII). State of nature gives an overview of man’s natural condition in the absence of a governing body, laws or civilization. Just like animals, people who are not governed by law or a common power can destroy each other to access power. Thus, Hobbes believed that the harmony which exists among human beings is only artificial since it is based on the agreement they set.
The Central Fear of Man
The central fear of man is death. Hobbes notes that human beings strive for power throughout their lives until death. As man attempts to acquire power, he is keen enough to avoid environments that could endanger his life.

Hobbes notes that people try to secure themselves through anticipation of authority to prevent death (Hobbes Chapter XIII). For instance, it is natural that a person cannot feel safe if there is still someone else who has more power and there lacks a governing body that promotes unity and harmony. Hence, despite the fact that man wants to be dominant, he strives to avoid violent death.
How Humans Address the Fear of Death
Hobbes explains that humans strive to preserve their lives by avoiding incidences that can trigger violent death. The establishment of law and a system of governance is a sure way of regulating violence in a society where man is against man. Besides the law, humans still take numerous precautions to ensure their lives are secure. Case in point, people go to journeys only when armed for self-protection. During the night, they lock their doors and even their chest to avoid violent death (Hobbes Chapter XIII).
Potentially Dangerous Situations that can arise when Humans take Measure to Secure Themselves
As humans put their interests and safety first, they forget about the security of others. For instance, a man who goes on a journey armed only thinks of himself but not the people he might hurt in the process. Similarly, a person who locks his door when sleeping considers his safety and forgets about their children and other people. Thus, selfish human acts cause more harm to mankind that it does good to oneself.
The Main Causes of Conflict
According to Hobbes, the main causes of conflict are glory, competition, and diffidence. Human beings compete to gain what they desire and to avoid undesirable events. For instance, people compete in the society to have access to the best resources and avert unfavorable living conditions. Hobbes also notes that competition can cause violence as people attempt to control other people’s cattle, children, and wives. Diffidence, also known as distrust, is also a cause of violence since people value their safety. Competition causes mistrust which is the only way human beings can defend themselves from harm. Men seek glory to uphold their reputation in the society (Hobbes Chapter XIII). They will, therefore, go to the extent of causing quarrel to gain the glory.
The Application of Hobbes’ views on Human Nature to International Relations
Hobbes’ theory of human nature plays a significant role in explaining the concept of war and peace. It is the nature of mankind to cause violent conflict in an attempt to gain power. Notably, the state of nature dictates that humans lack constraints to individual behavior since people can turn against each other at any moment. The fear of death and need for self-preservation can cause people to compete against each other and develop mistrust as a way of ensuring their survival. Therefore, Hobbes’ theory explains the reasons why states turn against each other or strive to establish peace through power sharing.
It is as a result of human beings’ tendency to engage in violence for power that nations strive to establish a supreme ruler. The citizens agree on a common ruler or a particular system of governance, thus, giving the state the mandate to control violence through the implementation of laws. Notably, as citizens transfer power to the supreme ruler, the conflict shifts to the international arena whereby nations struggle for power dominance. From Hobbes’ point of view, international conflict results from man’s state nature to dominate others.
Regarding Hobbes’ view on the main causes of conflict, states compete against each other to dominate world’s resources. States that take this approach can easily cause violent conflict if they lack civilization, law or a governing body. Competition among states is also a possible cause of mistrust. For instance, weaker nations cannot trust superpower countries because they believe such states are after their resources or they want to undermine their independence. Nevertheless, states that are always in disagreement with each other can make peace by creating and implementing international laws that safeguard their interests.
Reference
Hobbes, Thomas. Leviathan: Or, the Matter, Forme, & Power of a Common-Wealth Ecclesiasticall and Civil. Aegitas, 2016.