Sovereignty and its Image. Political Aesthetics in the Thought of Thomas Hobbes.

My interdisciplinary project combines cultural history with Critical Theory, and develops an account of the relation between aesthetics and sovereignty in the thought of Thomas Hobbes, demonstrating his importance for contemporary accounts of aesthetics and politics. At a time when notions of sovereign power (originating in Hobbes) are undergoing radical change, and the loss of national sovereignty is compensated for aesthetically through images (e.g. Trump's image of USA /Mexico border wall). I develop a point made by Walter Benjamin to argue that the tension between the political weakness of sovereignty and the strength of its image is already present in Hobbes. It is the image of strength (keeping subjects in awe) and not simply violence, that stabilises power in Hobbes's thinking. The relationship between affects (fear, desire) and power is the subject of much contemporary debate (Deleuze, Lordon, Foucault): my research traces the issue engaged in by this debate back to the 17th century and argues that images play a crucial role in binding affects to existing power structures.

Through a close reading of primary sources: philosophical treatises (Dudley, North) and political pamphlets (Charles I, Milton), I analyse the role of images in political thought of the period, extending work already underway in aesthetic theory (Bredekamp). As such, my project not only explores an area given insufficient attention by critical theory, but also expands the understanding of the affective operation of power. This PhD builds on my BA dissertation in History (on Rousseau's political thought)
and my MA dissertation in Critical Theory where I used Foucault's concept of micropower to analyse politics hidden in Locke's notion of personal identity. I have a strong grounding in philosophy and extensive experience with Early Modern primary sources. Finally, my Critical Theory background also prepares me for engagement with contemporary debates regarding aesthetics and politics.