Law Commons^™

The Origins Of Ambivalence In Transnational Norms, Frederick O. Bonkovsky

Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law

Grotius' magnum opus of 1625, "De Jure Belli ac Pacis", represented the culmination and summary of Western international norms through the 17th century. But Grotius' explicit statement of international mores in legalized terms marked a departure from medieval thought. By secularizing natural law and, more importantly, by recognizing the new international system of the sovereign nation-states, Grotius made major alterations in transnational theory, thus earning the sobriquet, "father of international law."

As will be seen, however, a serious ambivalence marked Grotius' views. His modernity was demonstrated most notably in his recognition that international politics was the province of a number …