The Project of the Last War for Peace

The article examines Johann Gottlieb Fichte’s concept of the “closed commercial state” and his views on war and borders. The author analyzes Fichte’s use of the term “natural borders” and its role in legitimizing state consolidation through warfare. The paper explores Fichte’s argument that philosophers have historically “sighed over wars” and his assertion that war is inevitable in the current state of affairs. Fichte proposes that to abolish war, its root cause must be eliminated by allowing each state to obtain its natural borders. The author delves into Fichte’s notion of the “closed commercial state” and how it relates to the idea of natural borders. Fichte envisions this state as self-sufficient and detached from others, with clearly defined boundaries. The concept of “internal borders” is also discussed as a means to surpass and replace natural borders. The paper examines Fichte’s justification for a “final war” that would end all future wars by establishing natural borders. The author critiques the logic of this argument, noting that it could potentially lead to a global conflict. Fichte’s attempt to make this final war as peaceful as possible is analyzed, including his idea of an “occupation march” rather than a bloody conflict. The author argues that this conception relies on negating the existence of the “other” state. Finally, the article discusses Fichte’s view on commercial warfare and its relation to territorial conflicts. The author concludes by reflecting on how Fichte’s project of a closed state ultimately turns inward, negating the very concept of borders as interfaces with others

Political science · Global Peace and Security Dynamics · History · War, Ethics, and Justification