THE STATE OF PERPETUAL AND UNIVERSAL PEACE AS A POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC EXPEDIENCY IN THE PHILOSOPHY OF JEREMY BENTHAM

Abstract

Background. This article is a reconstructive analysis of the philosophical heritage of Jeremy Bentham, as the founder of the analytical-instrumental direction of the pacifist discourse of the Enlightenment era. In the process of research, the theoretical basis of the utilitarian project of "perpetual peace" and key arguments in favor of the rational substantiation of the model of peaceful coexistence as an effective alternative to military conflicts were revealed. Methods. Currently, the following methods are used in the work: the principle of abstraction, that is, the rejection of a number of properties, connections and relations of the object or phenomenon under study, which are not essential for solving the assigned problems, to concentrate on its separate elements; the principle of objectivity, that is, taking into account all factors that simplify the process of studying selected objects, phenomena and processes; the principle of unity of theory and practice, taking into account their interdependence. Results. In the process of research, it was established that the concept of "perpetual peace" in the philosophy of J. Bentham is formed within the framework of the utilitarian approach as the result of a rational political and economic calculation, which rethinks war as a systemic error. This leads to the interpretation of peace not as a normative ideal, but as a stable state of the international system, the achievement of which is associated with the development of trade, institutional restrictions on power and the codification of international law. Conclusions. The study demonstrated that the concept of "perpetual peace" in the philosophy of J. Bentham is based on the utilitarian understanding of international relations as a sphere of rational calculation. It was found that J. Bentham considers war as a form of political and economic inefficiency associated with the destruction of capital, the growth of the tax burden and the distortion of the incentive system, while peace appears as a more profitable and stable state. The key role in ensuring such a state is played by the development of trade, institutional restrictions on power and the codification of international law, aimed at reducing uncertainty and coordinating the interests of states. As a result, "perpetual peace" is interpreted not as a utopian ideal, but as a rationally achievable equilibrium in the system of international relations.