Muslim World Report

Revisiting Hobbes: The Relevance of Leviathan in Modern Authority

Dr. Anthony Lindsay | Apr 22, 2025 10:25 AM | 11 min read | 2197 words

TL;DR: Thomas Hobbes’s Leviathan remains a vital text for understanding authority in the modern political landscape. As global conflicts and shifting power dynamics challenge traditional governance, Hobbes’s insights into the nature of authority, social contracts, and the role of fear and oppression are increasingly relevant. This post explores various scenarios of global governance and highlights the importance of decentralized models to address inequities, particularly for marginalized communities.

The Leviathan and the State of Global Authority

In the ongoing discourse surrounding governance and authority, the imagery and ideas encapsulated in Thomas Hobbes’s Leviathan have proven to be remarkably prescient. First published in 1651, this seminal work outlines a political philosophy in which individuals surrender their rights to a sovereign power in exchange for security and order.

Hobbes’s theory not only examines the nature of authority but critiques how states wield power over individuals, raising questions that are increasingly relevant in today’s complex geopolitical landscape.

Recent events have underscored the fragility of state authority and ethical implications of imperialist interventions:

  • The withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan
  • Ongoing conflicts in Syria and Ukraine

The United States and its allies have historically justified their actions with narratives of liberation and security, yet, these interventions often unveil underlying motives tied to economic interests and geopolitical domination. The consequences leave behind a legacy of instability, disenfranchisement, and resentment among local populations (Dyzenhaus, 2014).

This situation captures the essence of Hobbes’s assertion that the social contract—while purportedly providing security—can also lead to a form of oppression under an all-powerful sovereign (Orwin, 2018). As nations navigate complex crises, it becomes imperative to scrutinize how authority and governance are being reshaped. The cover of Leviathan assumes new significance; it visually represents Hobbes’s argument and serves as a lens through which to examine contemporary political dynamics.

The implications of these shifts extend beyond individual nations, influencing global power structures and raising urgent questions about the future of sovereignty.

What If the Global Order Breaks Down?

Should the current global order collapse, several scenarios could unfold, each with profound implications for the Muslim world and beyond:

  • Increased regional power struggles: The dissolution of international consensus on governance could ignite conflicts.
  • Vulnerability to external influences: Muslim-majority countries may face exploitation from powerful non-state actors, such as multinational corporations or rogue militias, in the absence of strong governmental structures.
  • Reignition of sectarian tensions: Fragmentation of authority could lead to civil unrest and humanitarian crises.
  • Resurgence of nationalism and isolationism: The lack of a binding international framework could threaten fragile international consensus on addressing global challenges.

In the worst-case scenario, the breakdown of the global order could lead not only to local chaos but also to a resurgence of imperialist interventions under the guise of restoring stability and order. These interventions would reflect a continuation of the exploitative narrative that has historically underpinned colonization, entrenching cycles of violence and repression.

What If a New Global Authority Emerges?

Conversely, a new global authority could either reinforce the principles of collective governance or perpetuate existing inequalities. The emergence of alternative powers, particularly from the Global South, may challenge longstanding dominance of Western ideologies.

If this new authority embraces a more equitable approach, it might offer platforms for collaboration and mutual respect, particularly in addressing injustices faced by Muslim communities worldwide. An inclusive global governance model could facilitate dialogues on:

  • Economic equity
  • Cultural preservation
  • Conflict resolution

However, the risk remains that a new authority could simply replicate the tyrannies of the past, prioritizing the interests of a select few while undermining the rights of others. This scenario could exacerbate existing grievances, fueling resistance movements that destabilize regions further.

For Muslim-majority nations, aligning with a new global authority would require careful navigation to avoid becoming pawns in broader geopolitical games. The stakes are high, and the need for vigilant and principled advocacy for justice, equity, and freedom becomes paramount.

What If We Embrace a Decentralized Governance Model?

A significant shift toward decentralized governance could offer a transformative path for authority dynamics worldwide. If governments adopt a model that prioritizes local autonomy and participatory decision-making, it could empower communities—particularly marginalized populations—to assert their rights and influence the political landscape from the ground up.

In this scenario, Muslim communities might find opportunities to reclaim agency over their affairs, challenging historically entrenched structures that have often sidelined their voices. By decentralizing power, countries could encourage diverse expressions of cultural identity, fostering dialogue and collaboration instead of repression and alienation.

However, transitioning to a decentralized model would not be without challenges:

  • Resistance from existing power structures: Entrenched elites may seek to undermine local governance initiatives, perpetuating inequalities rather than alleviating them.
  • Investment needs: Implementing decentralized systems would require substantial investment in education and infrastructure to ensure local populations can participate effectively.

The implications of embracing decentralized governance may extend beyond national borders. As a global movement, it could challenge dominant paradigms of authority and provide a counter-narrative to imperialist interventions. A collaborative, local-focused approach could reformulate the global conversation about justice, sovereignty, and authority, potentially leading to a more equitable world.

Theoretical Relevance of Hobbes in the Modern Context

In a world where power dynamics are shifting dramatically, revisiting Hobbes’s Leviathan offers critical insight into the nature of authority and governance. Hobbes contends that the fear of violent death in a state of nature leads individuals to submit to an overarching authority—a premise that resonates in today’s geopolitical environment, where chaos often prevails in the absence of a cohesive global order.

The rise of nationalism, particularly in response to globalization, raises questions about the efficacy of Hobbesian thought in contemporary times. As states grapple with maintaining authority, the social contract—a concept Hobbes championed—becomes transactional and subject to manipulation. In this context, the perception of authority may pivot from being an agent of security to becoming a mechanism of control.

Moreover, as state power is challenged by non-state actors and movements advocating for local governance, Hobbes’s framework prompts necessary inquiries into social contracts that reflect modern realities. The state of affairs in countries like Afghanistan and Syria highlights the fragility of sovereignty and the conflicts that can arise when states fail to deliver security and order to their citizens.

Hobbes’s ideas about the nature of fear and authority also resonate powerfully with the marked rise of authoritarian regimes that leverage insecurity as a means to consolidate power. Understanding these dynamics through a Hobbesian lens enables a deeper exploration of how authority operates not only as a means of governance but also as a tool for oppression.

Contemporary Manifestations of Authority

The interplay of local, national, and global authorities creates a complex landscape where governance is contested at multiple levels. Traditional models of authority are increasingly challenged by grassroots movements and digital activism, which provide platforms for marginalized voices.

For example, the Arab Spring exemplified how citizens could mobilize against oppressive regimes through social media, reshaping the narrative of authority in the process. Similarly, contemporary movements advocating for climate justice and social equity demonstrate the potential for decentralized action to influence global discourse on governance.

While the potential for decentralized governance is promising, it also brings to the forefront the challenges associated with navigating competing interests among various stakeholders. Negotiating power dynamics requires an acknowledgment of historical injustices and a commitment to building frameworks that prioritize inclusivity and equitable representation.

Muslim-majority countries, in particular, face unique challenges in this landscape. Balancing local autonomy with global interdependencies necessitates a careful approach that avoids pitfalls of exploitation and domination by external powers. Engaging with global narratives while honoring local identities and needs represents both a challenge and an opportunity for these nations.

Post-Colonial Legacies and Their Impact on Authority

The historical context of colonialism has left deep scars on the political landscapes of many Muslim-majority countries, complicating their quest for sovereignty and authority. The legacy of colonial rule often manifests in a distrust of external actors and a hesitance to embrace global governance structures that may perpetuate exploitation.

As these nations seek to build their political identities, the challenge lies in reconciling the aspirations of their populations with the realities of a globalized world. Ensuring that authority figures reflect the will of the people rather than the interests of external powers becomes crucial for cultivating legitimacy and fostering social cohesion.

The fragmented nature of authority in many post-colonial states often results in a crisis of governance, where state institutions are viewed more as instruments of oppression than as vehicles for public service. This presents a critical juncture for reevaluating the nature of authority—shifting from a top-down approach to one that emphasizes community engagement and participatory governance.

Furthermore, the role of international organizations and global governance mechanisms plays a significant part in this narrative. The challenge lies in advocating for systems that prioritize justice and accountability while addressing past grievances. This could lead to more equitable partnerships that do not merely reinforce existing power structures but actively work to dismantle them.

The Role of Technology in Shaping Authority

In recent years, the rapid advancement of technology has fundamentally altered the ways in which authority is perceived and exercised. The digital landscape has created new spaces for discourse, allowing for the rapid dissemination of ideas and mobilization of communities around shared causes.

Social media platforms and online networks have empowered individuals and grassroots movements, challenging traditional hierarchies of power. Yet, as technology democratizes access to information, it also raises concerns about:

  • Surveillance
  • Data privacy
  • The potential for misuse by state actors.

In the context of Muslim-majority countries, the use of technology for governance and civic engagement presents both opportunities and challenges. While platforms for dialogue can help reclaim agency and foster local narratives, they also risk being co-opted by authoritarian regimes seeking to maintain control over information flows.

The potential for cyber-activism to drive social change illustrates how technology can be harnessed to shift power dynamics. However, it remains essential to critically assess how these tools are used and their implications for authority in both local and global contexts.

As nations confront the multifaceted challenges of globalization, ethical dilemmas emerge that complicate the governance landscape. Questions of accountability, justice, and equity become paramount, particularly in relation to how authority is exercised and the impacts it has on marginalized communities.

For Muslim-majority nations, engaging with global governance frameworks necessitates a critical analysis of the ethical implications of such partnerships. Addressing historical grievances while promoting equitable practices requires a commitment to transparency and inclusivity.

The discourse surrounding humanitarian intervention is intricately linked to these ethical considerations. The narratives surrounding interventions often raise questions about the legitimacy of external actors and their motivations, prompting scrutiny of how authority is legitimized on the global stage.

Moreover, the impact of climate change poses significant ethical dilemmas, particularly for vulnerable communities disproportionately affected by environmental degradation. Navigating these complexities requires a collaborative approach that centers the voices of those most impacted.

Decentralization as a Pathway to Enhanced Equity

The push for decentralized governance represents a transformative opportunity to reshape authority dynamics and promote equitable outcomes. By prioritizing local autonomy, communities can assert their rights and influence governance in ways that reflect their unique identities and needs.

Fostering local governance structures could empower Muslim communities, allowing them to reclaim agency over their affairs and articulate their visions for the future. This shift towards participation could mitigate historical injustices, facilitating dialogue and cooperation rather than repression and exclusion.

However, successfully implementing decentralized governance requires:

  • Careful planning
  • Investment in community capacity-building: Education, infrastructure, and engagement initiatives will be critical in ensuring that local populations can effectively participate in governance processes.

The potential benefits of decentralization extend beyond national borders, providing a framework for collaborative international action. By fostering partnerships rooted in mutual respect and understanding, decentralized governance can create a more equitable global landscape that prioritizes justice and sustainability.

Conclusion

Examining governance and authority through the lens of Hobbes’s Leviathan encourages a nuanced understanding of how historical context impacts contemporary realities. As the dynamics of power continue to evolve, the interplay of global and local forces presents both challenges and opportunities for reshaping authority, particularly in the context of the Muslim world.

Through strategic engagement, inclusivity, and a commitment to equity, nations can navigate the complexities of authority in an increasingly interconnected world. This ongoing dialogue is essential for cultivating a more just and equitable global landscape, where diverse voices are acknowledged and valued.

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