The most important causes of political arrangements and acts are found in the nature and behavior of man.

Each man does seek his own interest, but, unfortunately, not according to the dictates of reason.

Then what explains war among states? Rousseau's answer is really that war occurs because there is nothing to prevent it.

Once socialism replaces capitalism, reason will determine the policies of states.

The transitory interests of royal houses may be advanced in war; the real interests of all people are furthered by the peace.

According to the first image of international relations, the locus of the important causes of war is found in the nature and behavior of man. Wars result from selfishness, from misdirected aggressive impulses, from stupidity.

The best critical consideration of the inherent weakness of a federation of states in which the law of the federation has to be enforced on the states who are its members is contained in the Federalist Papers.