WAR-601S Lesson 4
In his 1795 essay Perpetual Peace, the German philosopher Immanuel Kant wrote the following: “A state
of peace among men living together is not the same as the state of nature, which is rather a state of war.
For even if it does not involve active hostilities, it involves the constant threat of their breaking out. Thus
the state of peace must be formally instituted, for a suspension of hostilities is not in itself a guarantee of
peace.”
PROMPT 1: What does it mean to “formally institute” peace?
PROMPT 2: Why does the suspension of hostilities not equal “peace”?
Post:
In the context of Immanuel Kant's essay "Perpetual Peace," the notion of "formally instituting" peace
refers to the establishment of a structured and agreed-upon framework that goes beyond a mere
absence of active hostilities. Kant is arguing that achieving true peace involves more than just a
temporary suspension of warfare; it requires the creation of formal arrangements and institutions that
actively promote and maintain peaceful relations among individuals or states.
Formally instituting peace would entail the development of treaties, agreements, and international
organizations that set clear rules and mechanisms for conflict resolution. It involves creating a durable
and recognized order that addresses the underlying causes of potential hostilities, providing a stable
foundation for peaceful coexistence. In essence, it suggests a deliberate and organized effort to establish
the conditions necessary for sustained harmony and cooperation among individuals or nations.
#Lesson4 #Prompt1
Comments:
Kant's insight, echoed in your analysis, emphasizes that halting hostilities doesn't guarantee peace;
stability is crucial. Your five protective factors—Rule of Law, Safe Environment, Social Well-Being,
Sustainable Economy, and Stable Governance—form a holistic framework for internal development,
underlining the interconnected elements needed to sustain lasting peace in a nation.
Your analysis provides a clear and insightful interpretation of Kant's idea of formally instituting peace. By
highlighting the "preliminary articles" and emphasizing the need to consider jus post bellum, you
underscore the comprehensive approach required for lasting peace. Your call to shift focus from the
initiation and justification of war to the aftermath aligns well with the idea that true and enduring peace
necessitates attention to all stages of conflict.
