The Intellectual Foundations of Non-Violence in (Lev Tolstoy) Political Thought

Abstract

Violence at the present time is a big problem faced by peoples and countries. This requires research into the contradictory political ideas to reveal the solutions and options available to both the individual and the state alike. Because violence is no longer confined to the regular institutions of the state, other political party movements and organizations acquired it which make up a great threat to people's lives, and instability of  state. The aim of this research on nonviolence in Tolstoy's political thought is to reveal the types of human relations that he examined in the light of his idea, and its impact on the individual, society, and the state, determining how to deal with violence, if any, and avoiding violence from initiating these relationships. Among the most important conclusions obtained are : religion in general and Christianity in particular with its values and morals, is a measure in determining the nature of human relations in their various types. Because religions have one foundation and stems from divine law, which criminalizes violence and calls for its opposite, peace, love, cooperation, and intimacy among human beings.

key words: Tolstoy, political thought, nonviolence, The means of political change, violence.