Evolution of International Law

International law's roots trace back to ancient societies. Legal codes, like Hammurabi's Code, laid a foundation for state interactions, emphasizing treaty-making and warfare rules, long before modern international law.

During medieval times, the Catholic Church influenced international law, managing disputes. The Renaissance shifted focus towards sovereign states and secular legal frameworks, setting the stage for state-centric international law.

The 1648 Treaty of Westphalia, ending the Thirty Years' War, is pivotal. It established the concept of sovereign equality among states, a cornerstone of modern international law and the nation-state system.

Piracy, viewed as a universal crime, led to international cooperation and the development of maritime law. National navies were empowered to prosecute pirates, creating early precedents for jurisdiction beyond borders.

The international legal battle against the slave trade in the 19th century saw unprecedented cooperation. Treaties, like the 1815 Declaration Relative to the Universal Abolition of the Slave Trade, shaped early human rights law.

Henri Dunant's experiences in the Battle of Solferino inspired the Geneva Conventions. His efforts led to the 1864 convention, the inception of international humanitarian law, which governs conduct in warfare.

Post-World War II, the United Nations formed, reshaping international law. The UN Charter, Declaration of Human Rights, and subsequent treaties created a comprehensive legal framework for state interaction and human rights protection.