The Rights of War and Peace: Including the Law of Nature and of Nations

Since the nineteenth century, Hugo Grotius’ three-volume The Rights of War and Peace has been viewed as the foundational work for the universal code of law and the laws of war and peace. His treatise, based on the principles of natural law, defends the rights of individuals—both states and private persons. Grotius’ immensely important work influenced the moral, political, legal, and theological thought of the Enlightenment. Volume one examines the lawfulness of war, the nature of “just” war, and the defense of person and property. Volume two discusses the implications of treaties, promises, and contract, identifies three “just causes” for war—self-defense, reparation of injury, and punishment” and considers unjust and doubtful causes of war. Volume three establishes what is lawful in war, how prisoners should be treated, and the implications and procedures for implementing peace treaties, arbitrations, and surrender.