Hugo Grotius and International Relations

This book explores Hugo Grotius' significant yet often overlooked contributions to international relations, critically evaluating his ideas alongside historical context and their impact on state sovereignty and shared values.

Hugo Grotius and International Relations explores the significant yet often overlooked contributions of Hugo Grotius to the field of international relations. While Grotius is widely respected among international lawyers for his foundational work, this book delves deeper into his theoretical and practical influence on the discipline. It seeks to illuminate how his ideas have shaped contemporary understanding of international relations, particularly in the context of state sovereignty and shared global values.

The author critically reassesses Grotius' thought by placing it within the framework of his predecessors and the tumultuous historical backdrop of his era, marked by wars and political controversies. By examining Grotius' writings and their implications, the book highlights both the strengths and limitations of the 'Grotian' tradition. This tradition is characterized by its acceptance of state sovereignty while simultaneously advocating for the importance of common values and the establishment of rules governing international interactions.

Overall, Hugo Grotius and International Relations serves as a comprehensive evaluation of Grotius' legacy, providing valuable insights for scholars and practitioners alike. It emphasizes the relevance of his ideas in today's global landscape, where the balance between state autonomy and collective responsibility remains a critical issue. Recognized as an Outstanding Academic Book for 1991-1992 by Choice, this work invites readers to reconsider the enduring impact of Grotius on the evolution of international relations theory.