It is rare to read these words related to the growth of international law. I never knew that prior to 1945 national 'sovereignty' allowed nations to do to their citizens whatever they decreed were the laws of the land.
Law is a complex issue - I have seen recently in the context of working on 'wills' that kindness is an operative word within our own legal system.
In East-West Street by Philippe Sands, here is the start of the Nuremberg trial prosecution as delivered by Robert Jackson, the chief prosecutor:
"The privilege of opening the first trial in history for crimes against the peace of the world imposes a grave responsibility... That four great nations, flushed with victory and stung with injury, stay the hand of vengeance and voluntarily submit their captive enemies to the judgment of the law is one of the most significant tributes that Power has ever paid to reason."
The precedent is set but is hard to follow up. A longer analysis is here.
Jackson also quoted Kipling, a poem worth reading for its analysis of power abused, "sell deny delay". Yet it is also a poem with its own prejudices. The fight for power assumes many subtle and destroying aspects whether it be between individuals or states.
The thesis of the book is the tension between the individual and the group, always a difficult problem to navigate. Perhaps I need some lessons in positive prophecy. I see nothing but negatives these days.
Must finish the book ...
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