In Leviathan, Hobbes speaks of sovereign nations being in a "state of nature", defined as an absence of civil society where notions of justice and injustice don't exist:

Yet in all times, Kings, and persons of Soveraigne authority, because of their Independency, are in continuall jealousies, and in the state and posture of Gladiators; having their weapons pointing, and their eyes fixed on one another; that is, their Forts, Garrisons, and Guns upon the Frontiers of their Kingdomes; and continuall Spyes upon their neighbours; which is a posture of War.

Thus, successful sovereign entities may be expected to be particularly good at this activity.