The Gentle Civilizer of Nations: The Rise and Fall of International Law 1870–1960
Author(s): Martti Koskenniemi (Author)
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Publication Date: August 19, 2004
Language: English
Print length: 584 pages
ISBN-10: 0521548098
ISBN-13: 9780521548090
Book Description
Koskenniemi traces the emergence of a liberal sensibility relating to international matters in the late 19th century, and its subsequent decline after the Second World War. He combines legal analysis, historical and political critique and semi-biographical studies of key figures, including Hersch Lauterpacht, Carl Schmitt and Hans Morgenthau. Finally, his discussion of legal and political realism at American law schools ends in a critique of post-1960 “instrumentalism”. This wide-ranging study provides a unique reflection on the future of critical international law.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“…a wonderful history of ideas, drawing from a wealth of sources and acquainting the reader with the views of dozens of international lawyers. Unlike many other histories of ideas, it makes enjoyable reading throughout, yet is never lost in anecdotes. At this time of uncertainty about the role, place and function of international law in the international community, it asks the right questions and indicates possible answers.” German Yearbook of International Law
“…interesting and elegantly written…Koskenniemi brings an unusually sharp focus to the period of professional maturation when the European heritage in the field peaked and then started to decline.” International Journal of Legal Information
“Impressive” American Journal of International Law
Book Description
Legal analysis, historical and political critique of the rise and fall of modern international law.
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