What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to critically analyze current interpretations of Thucydides in political discourse.

March 28, 2026Open Access

Thucydiocies: How Not to Read Thucydides in Contemporary Political Discourse

Puntos clave

The aim is to critically analyze current interpretations of Thucydides in political discourse.
Surveyed common examples of Thucydides' readings: the Melian Dialogue, the Thucydides Trap, and the Plague at Athens.
Analyzed how these readings are applied to contemporary political situations.
Investigated the implications of misrepresenting Thucydides' work.
Found that Thucydides is often misused to support oversimplified theories about contemporary politics.
The Melian Dialogue is commonly presented in the context of Realism, which neglects its complexities.
The Thucydides Trap is criticized for oversimplifying the tension between rising and established powers.

Resumen

Abstract The ancient Greek author Thucydides is widely cited in discussions of international affairs and contemporary politics, such as the Russian-Ukraine War and relationships between the United States and China. However, he is often presented in such debates as a purveyor of universal theories or inspirational slogans. His reputation as an authoritative thinker, founded in the complexity and originality of his account of the past, is used to legitimise simplistic claims about the present. This article surveys three common examples of such readings—the Melian Dialogue and its relation to Realism, the Thucydides Trap, and the plague at Athens—to consider how they may offer a misleading idea of Thucydides’ work and what it could actually tell us about politics today.

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