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

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

It is not true that were the Soviet Union to disappear the remaining states could easily live in peace.

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

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

To build a theory of international relations on accidents of geography and history is dangerous.

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.