Perpetual Peace: A Philosophical Sketch

Immanuel Kant outlines six preliminary articles which detail what Kant argues should be stopped immediately. The philosopher sees these prohibitions as essential for states that want lasting peace. They are practical, preventative measures that eliminate the political habits which make war inevitable. The preliminary articles differ from definitive articles because they can be implemented immediately without establishing long-term political structures.

In the first article, Kant forbids treaties that are mere truces rather than pure peace treaties. A true peace treaty does not leave points of conflict which may later translate into future wars. Peace must be genuine and permanent. Genuine peace requires transparency; Kant argues that treaty agreements should be public, clear, and aimed at a lasting resolution. This principle demands honesty and transparency in diplomacy.

In the second article, Kant rejects the idea that states are property that rulers can trade, inherit, or give away. He explains that a state is not a commodity; rather, it is a community of citizens and to treat a state as property denies the rights and sovereignty of its people.

The third article calls for the abolishment of standing armies, which Kant views as a constant threat to peace. Large, permanent militaries signal readiness for war, provoke arms races, and drain resources that could be used for peaceful ends.