ARISTOTLE'S NOTION OF FRIENDSHIP: THE BASIS FOR INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Abstract

This paper titled “Aristotle's Notion of Friendship: The Basis for International Relations” addresses the frosty relationship existing between nations which has left a terrible gap among international communities resulting to a protracted and seemingly irresolvable international conflicts as result of the failure of the conflicting nations to see each other as friends. This ugly scenario has given rise to catalogue of disaster and human misery in the international community. The existing bilateral diplomatic relationships existing between ally nations has contributed immensely in sowing the seed of discord and lethal acrimony between nations with their divide and rule policy. The paper argues that bilateral relations are problematic as it tends to be divisive, exploitative and egoistic in nature. The paper therefore recommends a multilateral relationships based on Aristotle friendship of the good will that tends to be more inclusive, interdependence and healthy competition. This Aristotelian Friendship based on the good will appears to be the only respite for humanity towards ensuring a robust cohesive, coherent and interconnected multilateral relationship as it aims to focus more on things that unite us as a community of humans than what tears us apart. The paper employ critical method of analysis to establish her claims.