Critically assess the relevance of Hobbes’ Leviathan in contemporary politics. Does his argument for order over liberty still hold in surveillance states, populist movements, and fragile democracies? Can modern democracies maintain stability without resorting to Hobbesian authoritarianism?

2nd March 20252nd November 2025 ~ Polity Prober

The essay examines the relevance of Thomas Hobbes' Leviathan in the 21st century, focusing on themes of surveillance, authoritarianism, and populism. While Hobbes' ideas justify state power as necessary for order, modern democracies illustrate that stability can be achieved without absolute authority, challenging his model and highlighting the balance between security and liberty.