Elements of Morals / With Special Application of the Moral Law to the Duties of the Individual and of Society and the State

by Paul Janet

5. They must prefer glory to gain.

“Work for glory and let no sordid gain
Ever be the object of a noble writer.”

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CHAPTER IX.

DUTIES OF NATIONS AMONG THEMSELVES—INTERNATIONAL LAW.

SUMMARY.

General principles of international law.—They are the principles of the natural law applied to the relations nations sustain to each other.

Of war.—War founded on the right of self-defense. The reasons for a just war.

Defensive and offensive wars.—This division does not necessarily correspond to that of just or unjust wars.—Precautions and preparations.—Duties in times of war: to reconcile as much as possible the rights of humanity with those of patriotism.—Rights of war concerning the enemy’s property.—Conquest.—Neutrality.