The implication of game theory, which is also the implication of the third image, is, however, that the freedom of choice of any one state is limited by the actions of the others.

Each state pursues its own interest's, however defined, in ways it judges best. Force is a means of achieving the external ends of states because there exists no consistent, reliable process of reconciling the conflicts of interest that inevitably arise among similar units in a condition of anarchy.

External pressure seems to produce internal unity.

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

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

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

With many sovereign states, with no system of law enforceable among them, with each state judging its grievances and ambitions according to the dictates of its own reason or desire - conflict, sometimes leading to war, is bound to occur.