This original book has been consistently cited by scholars of international relations who explore the roots of realism in Thucydides's history and the political philosophy of Thomas Hobbes. While acknowledging that neither thinker fits perfectly within the confines of international relations realism, Laurie M. Johnson proposes Hobbes's philosophy is more closely aligned with it than Thucydides's.

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Johnson's book has much to offer that is useful and instructive. She raises numerous intelligent questions of interest to polticial theorists, students of international relations, and polticial scientists generally.

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Johnson's book... sets out to break the link between Hobbes and Thucydides by orchestrating a debate between them on the topics of nature, justice and regimes.