Which thinker advocated the creation of international law?

Which thinker advocated the creation of international law?

• A. Immanuel Kant
• B. Jeremy Bentham
• C. Giuseppe Mazzini
• D. John Locke

Answer: (B)

Advocating a formal system of rules for how nations interact. Jeremy Bentham argued that international relations should be governed by a codified set of laws—an international code that states would be bound to follow. He treated such law as something that could be designed rationally and improved, grounded in utilitarian principles aimed at maximizing welfare and reducing conflict. He saw the lack of a true international legal framework as a problem and proposed creating universal rules to regulate treaties, war, and diplomacy, moving beyond ad hoc power politics. This direct push for designing and implementing a universal legal order makes him the best match for advocating the creation of international law. Kant did emphasize a peaceful federation and a form of universal law among nations, but his focus is more on the philosophical basis and the aim of perpetual peace rather than a concrete program to codify international law. The other thinkers are aligned with different aspects of political philosophy and national governance rather than proposing a global legal code.

Advocating a formal system of rules for how nations interact. Jeremy Bentham argued that international relations should be governed by a codified set of laws—an international code that states would be bound to follow. He treated such law as something that could be designed rationally and improved, grounded in utilitarian principles aimed at maximizing welfare and reducing conflict. He saw the lack of a true international legal framework as a problem and proposed creating universal rules to regulate treaties, war, and diplomacy, moving beyond ad hoc power politics. This direct push for designing and implementing a universal legal order makes him the best match for advocating the creation of international law.

Kant did emphasize a peaceful federation and a form of universal law among nations, but his focus is more on the philosophical basis and the aim of perpetual peace rather than a concrete program to codify international law. The other thinkers are aligned with different aspects of political philosophy and national governance rather than proposing a global legal code.