Force Theory of Origin of State:
According to force theory, force is the only reason for origin of state. State is result of control and dominance of the stronger over the weaker. When human life began, men used to wander in groups here and there in search of food. Often, there were quarrels among those groups. In that struggle, stronger groups dominated the weaker ones and thus the state was created. The leader of the stronger group became the king and made the defeated group his subjects. Thus, force is the basis of state and state was created by wars.
Development of Force Theory:
Sophist thinkers of ancient Greece supported the force theory. They asserted that, ‘Justice is nothing but benefit of the powerful’. Struggle between church and state in medieval Europe proves the fact that state was originated by brutal force, whereas church is the best source of spiritual power. According to Individualists also, the basis of state is Force.
Anarchists consider state as an unnecessary vice and consider force as its base. According to Karl Marx, state is based on force. Rousseau also accepted that state is originated through war. According to Aietreya Brahaman scripture, king originated from war between Gods and demons.
Alexander expanded his state only through force. Presently, making of power groups in the world on the basis of economic, materialistic and military powers, monopoly of U.S.A., all these are examples of force. Supporters of force theory in the present times include Plow-in, Jacques, Ward, Oppenheimer and Ratzel, etc.
Criticism of Force Theory:
Force theory has been criticized on the following basis:
1. Force is helping element in making of state, not the deciding element. Apart from force, blood relations, religion, and political awareness also contributed to the development and origin of state.
2. This theory accepts that state developed only through force. Establishment of Federal system in many countries proves that state can be expanded and developed through co – operation.
3. Basis of state had not been brutal force only. Wherever this force had an upper hand, there the kings were destroyed. Basis of states of Hitler and Mussolini was brutal force only, thus they were destroyed soon.
4. Real and permanent basis of state is moral force, not brutal force, because states came into existence for the welfare of people.
5. This theory believes in war and revolutions, thus, it is against democracy.
6. This theory promotes extreme nationalism and colonialism.
Importance of Force Theory:
Force theory has its own importance despite having many shortcomings. This theory has explained in detail the contribution of force in the development of state. Police is compulsory as a symbol of force to maintain internal peace and harmony. State cannot be protected from foreign attacks without armed military forces. Aforesaid analysis makes it clear that force theory contributed a lot in the origin of state.
