Science of international law – since ancient times!

Abstract

In modern doctrine, the emergence of science of international law in the ancient world is often overlooked or even outright denied. However, the most ancient legal treaties contain separate norms of international law, the formulation and application of which should have been carried out by specialists familiar with past and existing practice. In connection with the above, it seems relevant to understand the issue of the moment when the science of international law emerged. It is advisable to conduct a study of the works of ancient philosophers and legal scholars to formulate conclusions that international law has existed since the formation of the first states and is a consequence of the transfer of basic legal principles from domestic relations to external interstate ones. The research methodology is determined by its sources. The use of comparative, formal legal, historical research methods made it possible to achieve this goal. Based on the names and works of thinkers of ancient countries (China, India, Greece, Rome), it is argued that international legal thought existed in the ancient world. In conclusion, it is concluded that neither international law, nor its science were created in Europe in the XVIXVII centuries, as some researchers say. Both the emergence itself and the study of international law are objective processes that political life demanded and generated much earlier.