THOMAS HOBBS' POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY OF THE STRONG STATE
Keywords:
Political Philosophy, Strong State, Social ContractAbstract
This article analyzes the political philosophy of Thomas Hobbes, focusing on the role of a strong state in maintaining social order and security. Drawing from Leviathan, Hobbes argues that in the State of Nature, humans have absolute freedom but lack safety and order. To avoid the "War of All Against All," individuals must enter into a Social Contract, transferring their power to the state, represented by the "Leviathan," as the ultimate sovereign authority. The article explores the relationship between freedom and security, highlighting that the partial surrender of individual liberty in exchange for security is a fundamental basis for establishing a strong state. It also reinterprets the concept of "Leviathan" in the contemporary context, addressing modern challenges such as cyber threats, pandemic control, and political unrest, demonstrating the flexibility and relevance of Hobbes' ideas in the 21st century. However, the article critiques the extent of state power in a strong state, focusing on the legitimacy of absolute power and the conflict between state security and individual freedoms. It emphasizes that constructing a strong state today requires mechanisms to safeguard individual rights and clearly defined limits to the exercise of state power. In conclusion, while Hobbes' ideas face criticism in certain areas, they remain relevant in modern times, particularly in achieving a balance between security and liberty, which are essential elements for the development of society and the state in the contemporary world.
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