Law

A question that has plagued humanity since the beginning of history is; how to deal with "the other" in a way that is both safe for yourself and nonviolent so that you can deal (trade, marry, meet, cooperate) with the other. As humanity progressed and states formed, this question was expanded upon; how to deal with the "other state" in a way that is both safe for your own state and nonviolent so that you can deal (trade, intermarry, meet, visit, cooperate) with the other state.

International Law is considered to be the answer to that question; a set of rules, norms, and standards which make it possible to deal with the other state. If both (or all) states adhere (or at least generally follow) to the same set of rules, norms, and standards, dealing between states becomes possible as all states can work from he same frame of reference and "surprises", generally leading to war, can be avoided.

In a perfect world, this set of rules, norms, and standards would be binding and followed by all. Unfortunately, the world is not perfect and the ancient maxim that "might makes right" still applies. While this does not lessen the importance of International Law; a common (theoretically) binding set of rules, norms, and standards which makes dealing with "the other" possible, it is important to keep this truth in mind.

This section of the Libguide provides access to the digital resources available on International Law.