The New Leviathans

In The New Leviathans, John Gray delves into the complexities of the 2020s through the lens of Thomas Hobbes' seminal work, Leviathan. After the collapse of the USSR, the West came to believe that a rational, liberal future awaited and that tyranny, nationalism and unreason were behind us. Gray argues that the terrible events and poisonous ideas since then show how misplaced that confidence was, and that Hobbes would not have shared it.

The Themes

Gray's exploration highlights several enduring truths about human nature and the political landscape:

• The Nature of Power: An examination of how power dynamics shape societies.
• Human Irrationality: A reflection on the persistent presence of irrational behaviour in political discourse.
• Liberal Certainties: A challenge to the belief that tyranny and unreason are aberrations that will somehow fade away.

The Writing Style

Gray’s prose is insightful and provocative, marked by a clarity that invites readers to reconsider their preconceived notions about progress and enlightenment. His ability to link historical context with contemporary events makes for a thought-provoking read.

Literary Merit

This work not only engages with Hobbesian philosophy but also situates it within the current global climate, making it relevant for scholars and general readers alike. Through a new reading of Hobbes' classic, The New Leviathans asks whether a more self-aware, realistic and disabused ethics might help us all.