The Sovereign and the Interest by Upholding Security and Civil Peace - Essay Example

 The realization of a political theory into a reality manifests a double-edged sword which exposes the strengths and weaknesses of any such thought. It is apparent that there is no perfect political system and to identify any one as such becomes a matter of personal or collective conviction. As with any idea, there will be differences between theory and practice. As well as disparities between how leaders come to terms in dealing with the issues that arise from the variables that affect their decision-making. The differentiation between want and need is deeply-rooted in the argument of Hobbes towards the formation of a Commonwealth. He himself acknowledges the pre-disposition of man towards his love for liberty but sees that society sooner or later falters because of his actions and as such, the need for idealists to take over as leaders is necessary in the organization of the populace. The Turning of Idealists to Dictators Some of the most hated people in history started with good intentions. I, with some apologies, actually have some admiration for these men. We all had some radical idea but never saw their light of day and was forever buried in the coffer of our consciousness. But the same could not be said for these men. They were actually able to sway people to have the same beliefs as theirs in a mass capacity. The best of intentions may not always yield the best results but you have got to be in awe of how they were able to manipulate and move millions of people toward the most appalling actions under your name. And as such, the reconciliation of personal interest comparative to social need. Idealists do not accept failure. There are times when a vision is bigger than us and the freedom of many is sacrificed for it. Just for the sake of argument, setting aside a moralist standpoint, these people may be attributed as idealists. This not to subordinate hatred which was in the case of Nazi Germany became the fuel for the holocaust and the inhumane actions that were executed toward the Jews. I remember a quote that was directed towards Ferdinand Marcos, the then dictator of the Philippines which goes, “The Philippines is made up of 40 million cowards and one son of a bitch.” The quote may be crude but it is true. It is sometimes inexcusable how people allow such atrocities to happen before they are shaken into some sense that there is something going on. Something terrible, something dreadful, and something that goes against every inch of the rights that they have as human beings. But this is what Hobbes refers to as man’s predilection for self-preservation. This is the reality of war. There are times when the Laws of Nature are not recognized by the people living in it. Reason amid the Manufacturing of Ideologies Many members of the SS during their trial after the war appealed that they were merely doing their job and acted through the instructions of their superiors. One such interesting story was that of a concentration camp prisoner named Helena and an SS guard named Franz Wunsch. One night the guard gave her a letter which the woman immediately disposed of but not before reading the words ‘love you’ in the paper. This was in a concentration camp in Canada where their living situation is far better than those in Auschwitz. The two went on with their duties, one as a German guard, and the other as a Jewish prisoner. Then a train that carried Helena’s sister and baby son came. Wunsch beseeched Helena for her sister’s name to save her but she was already adamant because she knew her sister had children in tow. Later on, her sister was saved by Wunsch who claimed she was supposed to be under his labor force. But her son was not spared because it would never be allowed by the SS. Years later, Helena stood as a witness for Wunsch during his war crimes trial (Auschwitz: The Nazi & The 'Final Solution'). Hitler and Mussolini are men who posessed such charisma that they were able to do direct men to do these things. They were intellectuals and some of the most intelligent human beings there are. Some of them are revered ardently that there are those who consider them as almost deity. As Hitler himself is quoted as saying, “Make the lie big, make it simple, keep saying it, and eventually they will believe it.” This was among the core principles that allowed Hitler to propagate his Anti-Semitic, White Supremist goals. The political ideology of Thomas Hobbes was included in the gospel that was to govern Nazi and Fascist ideals but more than that, this is an evolution of linked social and political intertwining. These theories are important in how they are perceived through the behavior and emotions of the people. The necessity of the refining of the emotional state of Germany after the war reflects upon content of the ideas of the Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei or NSDAP. The state of the society called for a re-evaluation and re-invention of the creed as presented by the Nazi through new symbols. It was regarded with disgust by the Nazi leaders for anyone to even suggest that the propagation of political ideas are done for economic reasons or push towards neuroses (Schuman, p. 118-119). It can be noted that there is a reason why many also call Germany a Fascist state. The vast difference mainly lies in the primary goal of anti-Semitic annihilation as to Benito Mussolini and the more Fascist Italy under his rule. In terms of the ruling party and their conduction of power, there is a parallelism between the two. Wilhelm Reich said an interesting argument regarding the power of the mass to accept or deny any certain rule. According to him, the structure of any government depends upon the influence of the masses because they have the capacity to actively participate and support any state form by supporting imperialism, overthrowing despotism or embracing democracy. This is why true and total freedom can never be attained unless it has the full support of the masses (p. 126-127). The same reigns true in any political government, without the support of the majority then no political party would lead without opposition even with the threat of violence. Only time will tell and this may actually be a manifestation of what Hobbes is talking about when he speaks of the true nature of man. Granted that there was not much proof to this psychological theory of his but upon scrutiny, perhaps there really is accuracy that the sovereign is an art for it is created for the purpose and utilization of man. The Constant State of War Hobbes argued that men are naturally inclined towards freedom and longing for domination towards others which is managed through self-control for preservation and contentment. Ultimately, to be able to avoid the despondent state of war which s is realized through the creation of what Hobbes called in his book ‘Leviathan’ a Commonwealth (p. 88). The main idea is that men are in a constant state of war whether with another or as a consensual goal towards defeating a common enemy which is favorable. This nature inherent to man cannot be subjugated through regular peaceful means. That peace is not a nature to human beings but a creation which can be achieved through the demands of a government. I believe that peace can be significantly achieved through prosperity. If men are content then there is no reason for him to seek for violent means to attain satisfaction. Furthermore, the concept of equality can only go so far when we analyzed individualistically so to say that everyone is equal comes with it limits as it can never complete. “For being distracted in opinions concerning the best use and application of their strength, they do not help, but hinder one another; and reduce their strength by mutual opposition to nothing: whereby they are easily, not only subdued by a very few that agree together; but also when there is no common enemy, they make war upon each other, for their particular interests. For if we could suppose a great Multitude of men to consent in the observation of Justice, and other Laws of Nature, without a common Power to keep them all in awe; we might as well suppose all Man-kind to do the same; and then there neither would be nor need to be any Civil Government, or Common-wealth at all; because there would be Peace without subjection” (Hobbes, p. 89). The psychoanalytic approach of Hobbes and the nature of men are not without its merit. It is quite obvious that there is truth that there is the reality of the yearning for war. Constantly we are bombarded with the news of war in different countries and even on our own. These wars are never-ending. If it’s not the war against terrorism today, it may be another war towards another advocacy the next day. War-torn countries seem to be without resolution anytime soon. This constant struggle toward peace may just be a moot point and that there is no Utopia in this world for it is mere fiction and a pigment of Sir Thomas More’s imagination. Peace can never be fully attained for there is no clear concept of what peace actually is. And for that matter only time can tell when it could last. It is apparent that the ideals of Thomas Hobbes and his call for a Commonwealth, with its ideals integrated within the turn of events in the political prowess that was displayed during World War II by Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. Dictators Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini, if anything were the first in their massive propagandist agenda that was proliferated through different media and executed with force in war-torn Europe. War was expected but not to the extent for which they were fought by the Allied and Axis forces. The aspect that the Axis was not expecting was the extent of participation of the United States of America shook its army. Another was the fact that Germany started a war with Russia and Stalin in 1939 simultaneous to their war with England. The Sovereign/ Commonwealth and its Absolutism Hobbes enumerated in his book the rights of the Commonwealth if it were created. Leviathan becomes in a manner of saying the continuation of Machiavelli and a more defined provisions for a modern and plausible state. He established the principles to be enforced for the realization of a sovereign Commonwealth. The aspect of absolutism was apparent in his enumeration of the practices that should be mandated by the state. His work explains that complete control of the Commonwealth in the sovereign and religion should be maintained. This absolute autonomy ensures the autonomy of the state and its order. Factors such as religion and education would be under the hegemony of the Commonwealth. All things from what is being taught in the universities to the opinions would be subject to the approval of an absolute government. Almost like a universal logo. But provisions do exists before the establishment of such a government. First, it should be kept in mind that human beings are fundamentally equal with natural rights. Second, that the state is born out of a covenant willingly agreed upon by individuals. Third, that above all else, the sovereign derives its authority from those which he directly governs. Finally, the sovereign is authorized to guard the interest by upholding security and civil peace. These are the core principles contained in the Leviathan (Hobbes, p. 92-98). The reduction of man towards a simplistic notion was influenced by his association with Descartes and the idea of ‘anima machina.’ Man seen as a machine leads to the materialistic perception of Hobbes’ philosophy. That man can be molded though constant reinforcement in such that opposition is abolished because it is no longer needed due to the existence of the Leviathan. Logic points that for this to work, a rigid type of uniformed education must be established from when the population is in an infantile stage. Hobbes and the Nazi-Fascist Mis/Interpretation Germany through the dictatorship of Hitler was home to the worst atrocities in our history. The anti-Semitic desire coined as the ‘Final Solution’ which is a semantic debate of genocide led to the murder of millions of Jews. To be able to determine the connection of the Nazi theory and practice and association, a linkage between the previously stated determinants of a sovereign would be used. These principles would be analytically put side by side with the manuscripts and known literature from Nazi Germany during World War II. Through this, an association or disassociation should be perceived. Anti-Semitism is the very foundation of the strengthening of National Socialism in Germany. The belief on the supremacy of the Aryan race was what kept the burning desire of the elimination of an entire race. Even before Hitler, the Jews were already a target of hatred in certain parts of Europe. The frustrations towards capitalism led to the Jews being a subject of absurd blame. Hitler acquired the same belief in Vienna and had since integrated it in his deliberations to the establishment of his party. The Nazis concentrated the resentments of the middle class towards Capitalism and Marxism and aimed it upon the Jews. Through their of Jewish persuasion. They were able to convince the people that all the things and terms that they abhor are Jewish terms plotted against Germany. The Nazis were able to make the people believe that there is a worldwide scale Jewish scheme versus the Nordics. A certain document titled ‘Protocols of the Elders of Zion’ was purportedly disseminated containing the plan. The notion that White is superior was promulgated. This in itself was the start of the brainwashing of Germany (Schuman, p. 110-111). Benito Mussolini and the rise of the fascist movement in Italy came to be because of the distress of the people with the current government. Mussolini, with a background no different than theirs offered an alternative. There is the contention that fascism is not the sole responsibility of a single leader but it is “the expression of the irrational structure of the mass individual” (Reich, p.10). The need for advanced government intervention was seen as a means of alleviating poverty. His speeches rekindled the people’s passion. The government was seen as an international representation led by their charismatic premier who sees through their needs and economic ascend. Mussolini dreamed of a better nation for which many still adhere with what is now Neo-Fascism. But his vision did not come into reality due to what many would call a betrayal. Can we consider Nazi Germany as a direct product of Hobbes’ Commonwealth? First, it should be kept in mind that human beings are fundamentally equal with natural rights. No, needless to say that Germany and Italy during World War II did not recognize the natural rights of the millions of Jewish and non-Jewish people that they murdered. Though it can be said that it contained a number of the absolute government which Hobbes campaigned for, it had gone beyond an agreeable order in terms of the government and to how far it governs. Second, that the state is born out of a covenant willingly agreed upon by individuals. Yes at first, the rise of Hitler and his party in the state was testament that the people agree upon their ideals. The ballot in the election on March 24, 1924 contained a question, “Do you German man and you German woman agree to this policy of your national Cabinet, and are you willing to declare it to be the expression of your own opinion and your own will and to espouse it solemnly?”(Schuman, p. 256-257). But it was obvious that by the deflection of a number of their citizens, including the officers disobeying orders and even a failed assassination attempt on Hitler, all indicate that towards the end it was no longer a consensus. This is quite probably the most important area in the political science of Hobbes because if there is no full support for the common cause then there can be no Commonwealth per se. Mussolini did not have the majority of the parliament but he was elected as Premier with high approval from the people. The problem of Fascist Italy and Fascism in general is that there are no actual written guidelines for which they adhere to. Besides the lacking manifesto written by Mussolini himself, there are no clear-cut principles. Third, that above all else, the sovereign derives its authority from those which he directly governs. There was detachment in the ruling party and the people. In the course of time, consumed by the power bestowed upon them, the officers have forgotten the power of the people is supreme above theirs. Corruption was already rampant as a number of the population remained laborers during the war. The complete control of the ruling party in the ideas and opinions of the people was the testament to its adherence to Hobbes but beyond that it got lost in its practical translation. Fascism showed the worst times in the history of Germany and Italy. The alliance between the two nations brought about the monstrosities in Europe during World War II. The desire to build self-respect after their defeat in World War I, the worst came of their revolutions. Finally, the sovereign is authorized to guard the interest by upholding security and civil peace. The German military was without a doubt prepared for an impending war. The SS or the ‘Blackshirts’ were trained in combat and the country’s alliance with the Axis power was proof to the event that came to be World War II. This was a powerful potion in the machination of the Nazis and the Fascist against the Allied forces. The propaganda that they administered, saying that the Jews are culpable to their hardships led to the mass thinking of loathing towards them as a people. This is what propelled them to commit mass murders in concentration camps through the gas chambers and other mass graves. There was peace in a sense that there was no civil war waged by the Jews (as they lack in number) but this was trashed as soon as other countries, in defense of democracy, have taken part in waging the war. The Need to Adjust The governments both shared Hobbes philosophy when we look at the absolutism of the power of the sovereign. Hitler is to Germany what Mussolini is to Italy. Under their rule, there was no separation of church, state, military and economy. Control was given to the government. But while it may seem like these are the Leviathan brought into life, there are particulars that tarnish what Hobbes had envisioned when he was talking of the Commonwealth. The massive violence towards any race was not part of what Hobbes called for. The specific concept which the philosopher called for was not present. Hobbes stressed the need for representation in a Commonwealth, this was not implemented. Deductively, the construction did not meet the design. A compromise here and there and the beauty of the architecture get lost in the engineering of a home. Alterations should be done for improvement and not for interest because theory and practice may be vastly different. Bibliography Auschwitz: The Nazi & The 'Final Solution'. Dir. BBC. Perf. Helena. 2005. Boyle, James. "Thomas Hobbes and the Invented Tradition of Positivism: Reflections on Language, Power, and Essentialism." University of Pennsylvania Law Review (1998): 1-37. Hobbes, Thomas. Leviathan. New York: Pelican Classics, 2002. Picker, Rabbi Harlon L. The History of Anti-Semitism from Genesis to Revelation. Glendale: Gateway International Bible Institute, 2003. Reich, Wilhelm. The Mass Psychology of Fascism. New York: Orgone Intitute Press, Inc., 1946. Schuman, Frederick L. Hitler and the Nazi Dictatorship: A Study in Social Pathology and the Politics of Fascism. London: Robert Hale & Company, 1936. Read More