Force Theory

FORCE THEORY
According to this theory, the state originated due to force

exerted by the strong over the weak. The idea contained in the
statement is that war begat the king. The same view is expressed
by Hume, Oppenheim, Jenks-Bernhardy and Trietschke are the
exponents of force theory. A number of rulers also believed in this
theory. The powerful conquered the weak state is the outcome of
the process of aggressive exploitation of the weaker by the stronger.
Might without right is antagonist to individual liberty.
There were other factors besides force which helped the
expansion of the state. Similarly force alone is not the basis of
state and it cannot be maintained by force.
Criticism
Force indeed has played an important part in the origin and
development of the state. Some of the greatest empires of today
have been established through blood and iron.
The theory of force unduly emphasis the principle of the
survival of the fittest. It means that might is right and those who
are physically weak should go to the wall. It is dangerous to employ
such a principle in the internal existence of the state. Every state
will be at perpetual war with the rest. This is a condition of chaos,
pure and simple endangering the peace and security of the world.
The attention and efforts of every state will be directed towards
war preparedness and to win the war if it comes. War which is an
alias for murder, glorifies brute process, suppressing the moral
forces. This is the mean self of man and not his real self.
This theory justifies despotism. It is opposed to the idea of
freedom. It is too much to believe that the state is created and
maintained by sheer force and the spiritual and moral values have
absolutely no place in life.
The Historical or Evolutionary theory
We have so far discussed five theories in explanation of the
origin of the state, but no single theory offers an adequate explanation.
The theory which explains and is now accepted as a convincing origin
of the state, is the Historical or Evolutionary theory. It explains the state
is the product of growth, a slow and steady evolution extending over a
long period of time and ultimately shaping itself into the complex structure
of a modern state. This theory is more scientific.
The state is neither the handiwork of God, nor the result of
superior physical force, nor the creation of evolution or convention,
nor a mere expansion of the family. The state is not a mere artificial
mechanical creation but an institution of natural growth or historical
evolution says professor Garner.
There were a number of factors which helped the evolution
of the state. They were kinship, religion, war, migration economic
activities and political consciousness. The important factors which
contributed to the growth of the state are
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Kinship
Kinship is the most important and was based upon blood
relationship and kinship was the first strongest bond of unity. Family
constituted the first link in the process of the evolution of the state
with the expansion of the family arose new families and the
multiplication of families led to the formation of clans and tribes.
Kinship was the only factor which bound the people together.
According to Professor Mac Iver, the magic of names
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Kinship
Religion
Property and defence
Force
Political consciousness
reinforced the sense of kinship, as the course of generations enlarged
the group. The blood bond of sonship changed imperceptibly into the
social bond of the wider brotherhood. The authority of the father passes
into the power of the chief once more under the aegis of kinship new
forms arise which transcend it. Kinship creates society and society at
length creates the state.
Religion
Religion provided the bond of unity in early society. It also
affected all walks of life. The worship of a common ancestor and
common goods created a sense of social solidarity. There was fear
in the hearts of men as far as religion was concerned. Even today
we see religious practices, affairs and faith in uniting people. In
the early days a number of races are united by religion and unity
was essential for the creation of state.
Force
Force also played an important part in the evolution of the
state. It was the use of physical force that was responsible for the
growth of kingdoms and empires.
Property and Defence
Property and depence played a vital role in the evolution
of state in ancient times particularly among the people who were
nomads and wagabonds and tribals. Prof. Laski has referred to the
necessity of acquiring property by the members of society and
protecting the property aequired with reference to the population
mentioned above.
This led to making adjustments in the social system and
relationship between the members of different groups. The need
to protect property ultimately compelled the ancient people to
establish the state.
Political consciousness
The last is political consciousness arising from the fundamental
needs of life for protection and order.
When the people settle down on a definite territory in pursuit
of their, subsistence and a desire to secure it from encroachment by
others. The need for regulating things and persons is felt imminently and
this is the essence of political consciousness.
Conclusion
It follows that many factors helped the growth of the state. No
single factor alone was responsible for its origin. Sometimes all and
sometimes many of them help the process by which uncivilized society
was transformed into a state.
Of all the theories which seek to explain the origin of the states,
the evolutionary theory is the most satisfactory. It should be noted that
no theory pin-points the time at which the state originated as a
consequence of many factors working in union at different times.
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FORCE THEORY

According to this theory, the state originated due to force

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