Law of Nations

PRINCIPLES OF THE LAW OF NATURE APPLIED TO THE CONDUCT AND AFFAIRS OF

NATIONS AND SOVEREIGNS

FROM THE FRENCH OF MONSIEUR DE VATTEL.

Vattel derives a system of law governing the nation-state and relations between nations, from his natural law hypothesis. To have legitimacy, all law written by man must be coherent with this natural law hypothesis. Throughout his work, Vattel constantly addresses the leaders of nations, that a well functioning state will only exist, if they govern so that every citizen is encouraged to develop within himself those agapic qualities needed for society to flourish.

Prefaces – There are many issues and editions, this link will lead you to research areas;

Table of Contents – The detailed table of the contents and the sub-headings;

Preliminaries – Ideas and general principles;

Book I – Of nations and sovereign states;

Book II – The offices of the humanity between nations;

Book III – Its different kinds and the right of making war;

Book IV – Of peace and the obligation to cultivate it;

Index – An excellent starting point to find your references sought