Are The Theories Of Thucydides Relevant?

Are The Theories Of Thucydides Relevant?Are Thucydides and his History of the Peloponnesian War still relevant for the digest of contemporary international relations? Why? It toilet surely be said that the realism coach of thought was created by the great Greek historian Thucydides after his studies on the Peloponnesian Wars. His main assumption, which embodies the realist schooltime of thought, is that relations between states atomic number 18 not based on right but or else on might, and that a state of anarchy prevails. To answer this essay question, the essay will dispute the stage of relevancy of Thucydides theories and ideas in the modern mankind politics, by mainly using the Melian Dialogue as an insight of comparison.Thucydides observations part during the Peloponnesian Wars between the different Greek city-states (polis). His first recognition was that on that point was a certain degree of pattern between the strategies adopted by these city-states concerning the re lationship between them. He points out a stratified system of actions, while a change in sm tout ensembleer states will not make a difference, a change in weapons-gradeer states car arguably un equilibrize a whole system. The following reiterate exemplifies this What make contend inevitable was the growth of Athenian billet and the fear which this caused in Sparta.Two reasons can be identified of why the start of the Peloponnesian War. The first reason is the amazing growth of capital of Greece in all spheres, and the second, the release of the Megarian Decree. Athens did this due to its preoccupations about the loyalty of its colonies. The Megarian Decree was essentially an frugal sanction to wards Megara in order to break its alliance with Sparta, which in turn becomes a threat to Spartas and corinthian security (Gilpin, 1991 34). The next chain of events was that the Corinthians made an ultimatum to the Spartans, suggesting a front against the Athenians, otherwise they wou ld form a spick-and-span alliance, thus harming Spartan security. In response, the Spartans demanded the annulment of the Megarian Decree, however Athens refusal to do so was probably the acquire cause of war. Thus the security dilemma can be said to have driven the 2 powers into an undesired war (Lebow, 1991127). To compare it with a modern example it has to be mentioned the sudden change in US perception of Soviet power after the Soviet Union launched its first ICBM. This action guide to a growing US insecurity, Kennedys concern to maintain US power led to an increase in US strategic build up (Lebow,1991142). However Kauppi states that there are intervening variables preventing the shifting balance of power leading to war in the cold war world. He cites modern examples of the restraining effect of atomic weapons, and the existence of neutrals as having a stabilizing influence by not entrapping the superpowers in a nil sum game. He also cites the role of ideology as convinci ng both superpowers that they could win without war (Gilpin, 1991 47). Moreover, it has to be mentioned that while power transition supposition and the resultant fear may explain the form imposed on the states, other factors can avoid fear from resulting in war. Lebow matches the power transition theory by arguing that Athens reached the peak of its power twenty years before the war started, he terminates with the notion that it is the perception of power that is vital to power transition theory and war, the effect of middle powers alike(p) Corinth is another factor to consider (Lebow, 1991 128). Again, during the Cold War, even though there was not a direct confrontation, the large defence spending and the development of weapons of mass destruction demonstrates that both superpowers used fear to advise each other and acting on fear by arming themselves, the MAD doctrine comes into consideration. ego vex is also one of the main features of Thucydides thought, according to Gilp in, Thucydides thought that humanity nature was unchangeable and since human beings were determined by liaison, fear and pride, they always look for to augment their wealth until others driven by the same, study to stop them (Welch, 2003 304). In the Melian dialogue the Athenians say Our opinion of the gods and our knowledge of men lead us to conclude that it is a general and necessary law of nature of nature to rule wherever one can (Brown, Nardin, Rengger, 2002 57). The computer address by the Athenians shows that their lone(prenominal) worry is of preserving their empire, and they try to convince the Melians that it is in their best interest to surrender. They ask the Melians to push away the matter of justice and claim that it is not in Spartas interest to interfere on their behalf (Brown, Nardin, Rengger, 2002 57). It can be stated very confidently that the Melian dialogue reflects the law of nature of self interest being the just about useful strategy. To give a modern example of self interest, the statist concept or the national interest, find in the Mytilenian debate. Both Diodotus and Cleon try to deal the situation to Athenss benefit, even though they have diverse opinions, as Diodotus considerations of justice are inapplicable to interstate relations (Welch, 2003 76). An example of self interest in US doctrine on Space (Oct 2006) The United States will preserve its rights, capabilities, and freedom of action in quadriceps femoris and deny, if necessary, adversaries the use of space capabilities hostile to US national interests (BBC News. (2006). US adopts tough new space policy. purchasable http//news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/6063926.stm. Last accessed 20 Dec 2009). In modern times the genius of self interest still guides the actions of states, however, it may not always be that of a single state, as states may cooperate to pursue their common self interest. This is highly considered by the states, as they understand that in a more g lobalised world they must re-think their actions of self interest. The expansion of international law, above all, humanitarian law, indicated that there are rules of non intervention and human rights that states are coerced to pursue. Disapproval from the international community in case of their ravishment would not be in a states national or self interest. Therefore, while the national interest is an important constitutional of state decision making, in the present day, the knowledge f two world wars and the predominance of liberal ideas indicate that the national interest is still imperative but not the only motive for state behaviour.Power politics is the effect of fear and self interest. To engage in power politics, the Athenians conclude depends on susceptibility The standard of justice, depends on the equality of power to compel and that, in fact, the strong do what they have the power to do and the weak accept what they have to accept (Brown, Nardin, Rengger, 2002 52). Ther efore, the skill of dread your demands depends on relative power. As the restate from the Melian dialogue demonstrates, Athens warns Melos to submit as they are in any case weak to oppose. In view of the fact that there is anarchy between the states relations, the command that exists is created and continued by the powerful that inflict their power inside their sphere of influence. States, resembling to individuals, are encouraged by self interest and fear, and plea to justice only when their interest is provided. The natural right of the stronger to rule over the weaker is a rather simplistic explanation of imperialism (Brown, Nardin, Rengger, 2002 75). A present day example is that of US warning countries that they were either with us or against us. It can be said that this is a warning to force unity in the war on terror. Thucydides adds that an actors power determines his treatment thus showing the essential nature of the balance of power in international relations. This is t he safe rule to stand up to ones equals, to behave with deference towards ones superiors and to treat ones inferiors with moderation. (Brown, Nardin, Rengger, 2002 58) A quote from US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice about nations that didnt support the war on Iraq illustrates this Punish France, treat Ger numerous and forgive Russia. (Reuters. (2003). Rice Quoted Saying U.S. to Ignore Schroeder. Available www.commondreams.org/headlines03/0525-09.htm. Last accessed 20 Dec 2009.) Thucydides finds that it is a law of nature that the weak become subject to the strong and when the opportunity of aggrandisement is offered by superior strength considerations of right and wrong are sacrificed to self interest (Welch, 2003,75). The notion of universal justice is not denied by Thucydides, he merely admits that for better or worse it has no limiting strength in a system composed of states not equal in power (Welch, 200375). On the other side, Bagby disputes that not all states choose to maximise power. The example of Sparta and how the Corinthians call them shy and weak in contrast to Athens, comes to mind. These national differences are established by King Archidamus when he tells the Spartans be not ashamed of the slowness and dilatoriness for which they summon us most. (Bagby, 1994138) Doyle points out that the policy-making ideologies of Athens and Sparta and the dissimilar sectors of society they attract were a significant constituent of their conflict. Doyle reveals that Thucydides stress on the national character of Athens, in its impatient culture and its democratic institutions (Doyle, 1997150-152). Consequently, the aim of maximizing power can be understood as a powerful encouragement, but municipal pressures and domestic character are also vital.In conclusion, Thucydides was one of the first to create three assumptions of classical political realism states are the main players, they take power as an end in itself or as a means to other ends and act in ways that are rational. (Keohane, Bagby, 1994132) Although Thucydides has been interpreted in many ways, his theories about human nature self interest, power maximisation and fear, are lasting. They describe the strains acting on states in todays world pushing them to take decisions. Even though there are many differences between today and his time Thucydides successfully makes clear the psychological and social propensity in strategy and is and then relevant today, as the Athenians state And it is not as if we were the first to make this law, or to act upon it when made we found it existing before us, and shall leave it to exist for ever after us all we do is to make use of it, knowing that you and everybody else, having the same power as we have, would do the same as we do.