Using trade to undergird peace

There is no single clear answer to the question philosophers pose of whether the natural state of humanity is one of conflict or peaceful relations. Immanuel Kant, Montesquieu and Cobden had a sunny view of the contribution of trade to peace. Thomas Hobbes, writing a century and two before these three appeared on the scene, had a dark view of human nature, leaving little to be accomplished through international cooperation. It did not prevent those who espoused a positive connection between trade and peace from reaching their upbeat conclusions. Opinion is also divided among political…

There is no single clear answer to the question philosophers pose of whether the natural state of humanity is one of conflict or peaceful relations. Immanuel Kant, Montesquieu and Cobden had a sunny view of the contribution of trade to peace. Thomas Hobbes, writing a century and two before these three appeared on the scene,…

There is no single clear answer to the question philosophers pose of whether the natural state of humanity is one of conflict or peaceful relations. Immanuel Kant, Montesquieu and Cobden had a sunny view of the contribution of trade to peace. Thomas Hobbes, writing a century and two before these three appeared on the scene, had a dark view of human nature, leaving little to be accomplished through international cooperation. It did not prevent those who espoused a positive connection between trade and peace from…