Prabowo and the Ideology of Realism (Thucydides, Kautilya, and Mearsheimer)
Our Position Amidst the Turbulence of Global Geopolitics.
Before I discuss further, allow me to first include a disclaimer that there is no crime that can be compromised, because crime is the enemy of humanity (hostis humani generis).
On various occasions President Prabowo, an intellectual and Indonesian statesman, has shared with us the concept of statecraft that the fact today the world moves on three ideological foundations.
All countries in the world are now in their own spaces. I am fortunate to have heard directly a lecture from the world’s realist thinker John Mearsheimer. The three ideological foundations are:
The Socialist bloc (Russia, China, Cuba, Vietnam, Venezuela, etc.)
The Capitalist bloc (The United States, Israel, European countries, several Middle Eastern countries, etc.)
Realism.
We are not in a vacuum, but the great turbulence in world geopolitics today forces us to choose and determine a path to save the Indonesian nation and also bring about a free, just and prosperous Palestine.
Coincidentally, our path is in Realism (Thucydides, Kautilya and Mearsheimer) which is frequently cited by President Prabowo.
Firstly, the principal realist thinker is Thucydides. Thucydides’ most famous statement appears in the Melian Dialogue, where the Athenian envoy says to the inhabitants of the small island of Melos:
“The strong do what they can, and the weak suffer what they must.” (
The strong do what they can, and the weak suffer what they must).
Secondly, Kautilya in Arthashastra. Kautilya (also known as Chanakya) presents a very realist and pragmatic view of the power of the state. He regards the state as an organism that must be strong both internally and externally to survive in a competitive environment, which he calls Matsya Nyaya (the doctrine of the fish, in which the strong prey on the weak)
Thirdly, John Mearsheimer, a political science professor at the University of Chicago renowned for the Offensive Realism theory in the study of international relations, arguing that the anarchic structure of the international system compels great powers to continually maximise their power and achieve regional hegemony in order to survive.
I have heard the stance and criticisms expressed by former Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan regarding Indonesia’s diplomatic steps on the international stage. Anies has urged that the Indonesian government immediately withdraw from participation in the Board of Peace (BoP), a peace council formed and led by U.S. President Donald Trump.
In light of Anies’ view, I ask and want to know what is the basic concept of statecraft that is suitable for Indonesia so that Indonesia is safe while we also save the Palestinian people from long suffering if we do not actively participate in creating peace through the BoP? I sincerely want to know the fundamental thinking foundation most appropriate for Anies Baswedan.
I frankly acknowledge Pandji Pragiwaksono, who not long ago openly expressed his understanding of President Prabowo’s stance.
Panji’s statement was surprising given that Pandji has long been vocal in criticising the government’s policies. “I don’t believe I would say this. But Prabowo could be right!” said Pandji Pragiwaksono. Pandji shows an openness to the possibility that he could be mistaken in his earlier reading of the situation.
Pandji Pragiwaksono is now understood. Once again I want to know from Anies who criticises, what is the basic concept of statecraft that is suitable for Indonesia?
Natalius Pigai, Indonesian Minister of Law and Human Rights
(akd/ega)