Pacifism and perpetual peace

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe article contrasts Kant’s project for perpetual peace with Tolstoy’s Christian pacifism. Kant and Tolstoy share the objective of achieving a world without war, but differ substantially in terms of how this is to be accomplished. Kant focuses on the institutional requirements of perpetual peace, while Tolstoy emphasises the moral transformation of individuals in accordance with the ‘law of love’. Kant’s perpetual peace is based upon the rule of law as implemented and embodied by the sovereign state, while Tolstoy rejects the state as organised violence and oppression and an obstacle to the unity of humankind. This contrast between Kant and Tolstoy is used to show that the requirements of pacifism go beyond the anti-war objectives of ‘perpetual peace’ to a more radical restructuring of human relationships and forms of social and political organisation.