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How Did Thucydides And Kennes Contribute To The Understanding Of State Behavior

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Examination of How Thucydides and Kennan Contribute to the Understanding of State Behavior and the Concept of Power The Melian Dialogue from Thucydides’ The Peloponnesian Wars, describes the interaction between the Athenians and the Melians regarding the desired surrender of Melos. The Athenians, who were more powerful and influential than the Melians, wanted Melos to submit without a fight. Should the Melians agree to ally themselves with the Athenians, it would be an example of power asymmetry. The dialogue records by Thucydides gives us a better understanding of the concept of power. The Athenians had the strength and therefore did what they pleased, as, if anyone was going to suffer it wouldn’t be them. The arrangement could in no way be an equal one unless the Athenians chose to make it so. Sadly for the Melians, like many nations Athens was only interested in advancing its own people. The Athenians did not want anyone to be neutral. This contrasts greatly to the current world powers, which generally stand up for neutrality, such as the outrage that was felt at the beginning of the first World War when neutral Belgium was invaded by Germany. …show more content…

State behavior is largely created around culture and tradition. If it was Athenian tradition to judge that theirs was the worthy cause, it helps one to understand what motivated the nation to overtake an island that had no power or real benefit to offer. Athens’ goal was to advance its own nation regardless of the cost to other. The ancient world power was focused on success at the cost of other peoples. In contrast, the United States often interferes with other countries in efforts to spread democracy and westernization, with the idealism that this one nation can bring a sort of “salvation” to the

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