Question:

How did Machiavelli’s writings contribute to the theory of Realism? How does social contract theory as Hobbes describes in Leviathan relate to an anarchic international system? Give a brief overview and analysis of each of the aforementioned philosophers’ texts in your response.

In your personal opinion, to what degree should there be a different set of morals for the state as compared to individuals? When is it appropriate or not to disobey the rules of the social order (i.e. domestic or international laws) when they conflict with individual morals? Does this undermine the social contract?

Choose an international news story from the past 2-4 weeks and describe how the theories of Machiavelli and Hobbes could add perspective to our understanding of the underlying issues and assumptions presented in the news item.