I regard Thucydides as one of the key figures in history because he gave us work, the History of the Peloponnesian War, that truly has last for all time. Many theories derive from his work, but is he a theorist per se? More specifically, is he a military theorist? Here is a brief argument suggesting no, but yes.
Thucydides
is not a military theorist because he does not posit a particular theory
regarding the military and war. He is an historian attempting a syngraphe “as a possession for all
time.”[1]
He clearly makes this point in the opening pages of his book. However, many
theories do emerge from his retelling of the Peloponnesian War. He unveils a
theory of predictive human nature.[2]
That theory translates into a theory of predictive state behavior.[3]
From those emerge realism theory of international relations.[4]
Embedded in realism theory one finds a power
theory based on interdependent relationships between capital power, military
power, and strength. Using Paul Reynolds’ framework for theory analysis,
Thucydides’ demonstration of realism theory and the power subset, meets the
criteria of a valid theory.[5]
