International Law

This work offers a concise introduction to the principles, sources, and historical development of international law. It contrasts philosophical ideals with observed practice and traces legal foundations from earlier eras to modern practice. It defines legal persons—states, protectorates, insurgents, belligerents—and explains recognition, nationality, jurisdictional acquisition, and maritime and fluvial rights. It outlines general state rights and obligations such as independence, equality, property, and limits on intervention, and covers extradition and international servitudes. It also examines diplomacy and consular practice in peace, discussing ranks, functions, credentials, immunities, and the role of treaties, precedent, and arbitration.