Which political philosopher argued that government should have extensive powers due to the inherently selfish nature of mankind?

The reasoning behind the choice of Thomas Hobbes as the political philosopher who argued for extensive government powers stems from his belief in the fundamentally self-interested and combative nature of humans. In his seminal work, "Leviathan," Hobbes posits that in a state of nature, individuals would act according to their own desires, leading to chaos and conflict. To counteract this inherent selfishness, he advocates for a strong, central authority that can maintain order and provide security.

Hobbes argues that individuals consent to surrender some of their freedoms to a sovereign power in exchange for protection and the maintenance of peace. This idea necessitates a government with comprehensive authority to effectively regulate behavior and manage societal conflicts. Thus, Hobbes establishes the rationale for extensive governmental powers as a necessary means to control humanity's darker instincts and safeguard collective well-being. This framework shaped later political thought and strongly influences discussions about the role and scope of government in society.