The Social Contract of Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau and Kant

To fully understand how social contract theory can be applied to the international domain, it is important to appreciate how it addresses individuals living in a pre-political scenario. This chapter provides a concise overview of some of the key elements of the theories as presented by Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau and Kant. It will be seen that, even with short summaries of what are extensive theories, many differences exist which lead to distinct approaches in their application to the international realm, as noted by the theorists themselves as well as when their views are extended.