Hobbesian Notion of Self-Preservation Concerning Human Behavior during an Insurgency; Journal article

摘要

Scholars generally reference Thomas Hobbes's 'Leviathan' for theories in international politics. Specifically, scholars subscribe to the concept of international anarchy and the pursuit of survival to explain state behavior. Since Hobbes lived through the English Civil War (1642-1651), his observations arguably could be a reflection of insurgency warfare rather than interstate conflict. In fact, the relevant passages in 'Leviathan' to which this article refers connote a concern with domestic conflict vice external threats. With this frame of reference, the article will focus on the effect of insurgency on human behavior. According to Hobbes, 'fear of violent death and desirous peace' are the compelling reasons man forms a society. In making this a priori argument, Hobbes advances the idea that individual self-preservation is the primary motivating factor behind the formation of society and not, as Aristotle contends, because man by nature is a social animal. This motivational factor also has tremendous implications for individuals suffering through an insurgency. If the population is the centerpiece of any insurgency and counterinsurgency struggle, as prominent scholars on insurgency contend, then Hobbes's insights are crucial to understanding how individuals caught up in an insurgency behave. This article will address the following questions: Why do subsequent generations accept the covenant rather than return to the state of nature. Why do some individuals reject the covenant. How do insurgencies take root. What are the cascading effects when the covenant is broken. Why do citizens fail to assist the government upon liberation from the insurgents. The answers to these questions will help explain why Hobbes's notion of self- preservation compels the general population to remain noncommittal to either side during an insurgency. Human behavior is a variable in an insurgency that is often underappreciated by governments conducting a counterinsurgency.