A Reconsideration of Hobbes for Post-9/11 America

Thomas Hobbes's era and ours are quite different but upon closer re­view the strife that seemingly characterizes the 21st century appears similar to conflicts during the 16th and 17th centuries in Europe and more specifically England. Hobbes argued that this similarity resides within human nature and our passions -- most importantly fear. Hobbes's influence has waxed and waned in Western thought and once again due to the War on Terrorism it has reemerged. A re­surrecting of the scholarly work on Hobbes's Leviathan is needed to understand the role of security and the means to attain that end. It is now necessary to clear the philosophical deadwood that has accu­mulated in order to understand Hobbes's thought.This work will illuminate what Hobbes would do under our circum­stances and see how modern America accommodates his philosophy without losing America's identity. If not squaring up to America's tradition at the very least it is worth trying in order to fix the moun­ting philosophical quagmire. If compatible with America's traditions Hobbes's philosophy should be studied with the intent of using it to enhance and understand our security policies.