In the Jungle Book Rudyard Kipling has the panther Bagheera say to the young Mowgli “What is the Law of the Jungle? Strike first and then give tongue.”

The primal urge for self preservation inspires an act first and ask questions later mentality when confronted by something threatening. This can be exhibited in individual interactions, at the group level, nationally, and internationally.

The law of the jungle is motivated by fear. Rational thought might be compromised. Fight or flight instincts prevail when operating under the law of the jungle. The strongest will strike and the weakest will take flight if possible or they will succumb to the will of the strongest. The law of the jungle respects only power and its forceful application.

The twentieth century saw absolute war. It saw a world ruled by the law of the jungle. It saw the accumulation of world destroying power unleashed. In an effort to prevent the destructive power of war several international organizations were created to try to tame the rule of the jungle.

John Mearscheimer wrote:

“Hopes for peace will probably not be realized because the great powers that shape the international system fear each other and compete for power as a result. Indeed their ultimate aim is to gain a position of dominant power over others because having dominant power is the best means to ensure one’s own survival. Strength ensures safety and the greatest strength is the greatest insurance of safety.”

This line of thinking epitomizes living the law of the jungle. The law of the jungle brings conflict. Alexander, Caesar, and Napoleon followed the rule of the jungle. Stalin, Hitler, Mao, and Pol Pot are followers of the rule of the jungle. The fire bombing of Dresden, the Armenian or Rwandan genocides are natural results of following the rule of the jungle. Partisan politics perfectly practiced produces conflict and must devolve into the rule of the jungle.

The counter to the rule of the jungle is the philosophy of the shining city upon a hill. In his farewell address Ronald Reagan said:

“I've spoken of the shining city all my political life, but I don't know if I ever quite communicated what I saw when I said it. But in my mind it was a tall, proud city built on rocks stronger than oceans, wind-swept, God-blessed, and teeming with people of all kinds living in harmony and peace; a city with free ports that hummed with commerce and creativity. And if there had to be city walls, the walls had doors and the doors were open to anyone with the will and the heart to get here. That's how I saw it, and see it still.”

The law of the jungle is stern and uncompromising. The city on a hill is inviting and open. The law of the jungle knows no morality and the ends justify the means. The shining city on a hill is rooted in principles and free from fear. The law of the jungle recognizes only power. The shining city recognizes justice and mercy and weighs them appropriately.

As the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year it is clear that the world of foreign affairs still follows the law of the jungle.