Republican Principles in International Law : The Fundamental Requirements of a Just World Order

Republican Principles in International Law considers the fundamental requirements of a just world order, as applied to public international law. The republican principles of deliberation, popular sovereignty and the public good first formed and justified the law of nations two centuries ago. They still clarify the most contested legal question and explain why people and states should obey international law. This book sets the standard for legitimate government, both within and beyond the jurisdiction of separate states and nations. Republican legal principles have shaped international law from the beginning. The same commitment to justice and the common good of all people that justified the French and American revolutions, also supported the emerging law of nations, and formed its most important doctrines. Republican Principles in International Law considers some of the central questions in contemporary international law from a republican perspective, to set out in clear terms the necessary implications of fundamental truths about law and justice. All states have a right to republican government under international law, because only republican government can justify the role that the states play in international affairs. Republican principles in international law begin with the common good of the people, but also incorporate the legal and political requirements that history and experience have proved necessary to secure justice. There will be no justice within or between states without popular sovereignty, the separation of powers, the rule of law, democratic elections and strong guarantees of individual human rights "This book considers some of the central questions in contemporary international law from a republican perspective, to set out in clear terms the necessary implications of fundamental truths about law and justice."--BOOK JACKET This volume considers the fundamental requirements of a just world order, as applied to public international law