Outlining Hegel’s Theory of International Relations

This article examines the struggle of states to be recognized as genuinely sovereign entities. In line with Giladi (2022), it challenges the notion that this struggle tends toward a peaceful coexistence among nations, where all states fully recognize one another’s sovereignty, thereby eliminating conflict while preserving independence. However, diverging from Giladi, the article subverts this teleological vision by arguing—in a Hegelian manner—that conflict-prone, misrecognized states are not remnants of the past but necessary byproducts of substantially recognized states, which secure their distinctiveness by relatively disrespecting others. I conclude that the unavoidable construction of adversaries entrenches division within international anarchy, perpetuating its structure and ultimately reinforcing Hegel’s concept of the “end of history.”