Le droit des gens

Le Droit des gens, or "The Law of Nations," is a seminal work by Swiss jurist Emmerich de Vattel, published in 1758. This treatise applied natural law theory to international relations. Vattel's work was particularly influential in the United States, as its principles of liberty and equality resonated with the ideals of the Declaration of Independence. He advocated for neutrality and established rules for commerce between neutral and belligerent states, which were considered authoritative in the U.S.. Vattel's approach differed from Christian Wolff's by emphasizing national rights and duties over a world state. The concept of the "law of nations" has deep historical roots, evolving from ancient agreements to Roman jus gentium and later forming the basis of international law in the Middle Ages.12