International Law: From Historical Foundation to Contemporary Challenges

Abstract

International Law is a set of principles that regulate relations among sovereign states and other international actors to maintain peace and cooperation. The term was introduced by Jeremy Bentham. This study examines the meaning, nature, scope, historical background, sources, and implementation of international law. Its origins trace back to Greek and Roman practices, with major developments from Grotius’ De Jure Belli ac Pacis and the Treaty of Westphalia. The primary sources, as stated in Article 38 of the ICJ Statute, are customary law, treaties, judicial decisions, and scholarly writings. Institutions like the UN General Assembly and Security Council play key roles, though enforcement remains limited. Despite major instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Genocide Convention, challenges like forced labor and torture persist. The paper concludes that international law is essential for global peace, but its effectiveness depends on stronger state compliance and enforcement.