While discussing the positions of Thomas Hobbes and John Locke regarding political authority, it is possible to support the side of Hobbes with reference to modern examples. Political instability in some regions of the world accentuates the idea that people are inclined to view their political leaders and some governments as appropriate to address and stop wars and conflicts. These people seem to ignore the principles of democracy to be ruled by a powerful leader who can maintain order and protect the state. In this case, according to Hobbes, accepting the evil nature of humankind, people make a social contract to be controlled and ruled (“Hobbes’s moral and political philosophy,” 2018). In this context, relying on the protection of their leader, people cannot overthrow their government. In modern democratic countries, there are more supporters of Locke’s position based on the ideas of people’s equality and protection of their rights (“Chapter 12: By what right,” n.d.). However, the examples of some regimes in states support Hobbes’s views and their development among the public even today.
One situation in the modern world that serves as an example of such a position is the continuous presidency of Yoweri Museveni in Uganda. For more than 30 years, Museveni has been taking the position of President in the country. In the Western world, his presidency is associated with a kind of dictatorship when the reasons for electing this leader in his country can be explained with reference to Hobbes’s views. Thus, in some cases, if the nation needs a strong leader because of certain internal and external threats, it is possible to adopt and follow the ideas that were promoted by Hobbes.
References
Chapter 12: By what right. (n.d.). Web.
Hobbes’s moral and political philosophy. (2018). Web.