Traditional Theory: Thucydidesin, Hobbes in Today's World

While neither Hobbes nor Thucydides had much to say about international relations directly, their commentaries on human nature and war (and peace) have been applied to international relations for quite some time. Hobbes himself "expressly licenses the translation of his analysis of the state of war among individuals to the level of international rivalry" (Hanson, 331). Thucydides doesn't often comment on events (possibly why there is not much directly said about relations between city-states), but Larry Pratt asserts that "His [Thucydides'] narrative and the carefully crafted speeches…draw the reader into a deeper understanding of the war…." (Pratt, 442). Hobbes, himself a student of Thucydides (also the first to translate him into English) agrees with this point and states that the reader is instructed subtly, and this is more effective.

It does not necessarily follow that just because there isn't much overtly said about international relations that the writings of Hobbes and Thucydides are not applicable in today's modern world. Hobbes' and Thucydides' (who Hobbes actually takes many of his ideas from) observations and assertions, especially on international dealings through the medium of war, can still be applied to current international relations. Both contend that the driving forces behind relations on an international level, especially war, are the forces of human nature.