Context
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Kant was writing just after the French revolution, and at the end of a century that had seen frequent wars. Previously, attitudes were that the best way of securing peace was through the domination of a particular power, as had happened with the Roman Empire. With the new set of wars, it was thought that a balance of power was the only way to secure peace, as well as the independence of individual states.

Although Kant does not make a historical argument, his argument is neverthelss historically situated, in that he is reacting against and rejecting contemporary assertions regarding the possibility of achieving peace.

Other Notes in this Category

1. Context
2. Implementing Perpetual Peace
3. Kant's Distinction between the Moral Politician and the Political Moralist
4. Kant's Ideas on Republics and Democracies - Why Every State should have a Republican Constitution
5. Kant's Premises
6. Nature Wills Perpetual Peace

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