Foundations of World Order: The Legalist Approach to International Relations, 1898-1922

by Francis A. Boyle

In Foundations of World Order Francis Anthony Boyle provides the first historically comprehensive analysis of U.S. foreign policy regarding international law and organizations. Examining the period from the Spanish American War to the establishment of the League of Nations and the Permanent Court of International Justice, Boyle argues that the international legal framework created at the beginning of the twentieth century not only influenced the course of American foreign policy but also provided the foundation upon which relations among states were built.
Although both the League of Nations and the Permanent Court of International Justice were rejected by the U.S. Senate, Boyle shows how the early governance of these institutions—precursors, respectively, to the United Nations and the International Court of Justice—informed later efforts to reduce and regulate transnational threats and the use of military force. Delving into such topics as the United States and its initial stance of neutrality in World War I and its imperial policy toward Latin America and the Caribbean, Boyle offers detailed readings of the relevant treaties, tribunals, and conferences, and assesses the political actors involved. Taking up the legalist point of view, he discusses the codification of customary international law, the obligatory arbitration of international disputes, and the creation of a new regime for the settlement of such disputes.
Boyle has provided in Foundations of World Order a compelling portrait of the relationship between political power and law, and of the impact of these forces on U.S. diplomacy. This volume will serve as a valuable resource to students, scholars, and practitioners of international law; it will also be of great interest to historians and political scientists engaged with issues of U.S. foreign policy and diplomatic history.

232 pages, Paperback

First published May 3, 1999

About the author

Francis Anthony Boyle (born 1950) is a professor of international law at the University of Illinois College of Law. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis...]

Reviews

[noblethumos · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Foundations of World Order: The Legalist Approach to International Relations, 1898-1922" by Francis A. Boyle, published in 1999, is a critical examination of the legal frameworks and international relations theories that emerged in the early 20th century, shaping the modern understanding of world order. Boyle, a respected legal scholar, focuses on the period between the Spanish-American War and the aftermath of World War I, exploring the legal principles that were developed to govern international relations and prevent future conflicts.

The book's primary strength lies in its in-depth analysis of key legal instruments and conventions, such as the Hague Conventions and the League of Nations Covenant, which were pivotal in the evolution of international law. Boyle meticulously examines the context in which these legal frameworks were developed, the philosophical and legal debates surrounding them, and their long-term impact on international relations. His approach highlights the interplay between legal theory and the practical realities of international politics, offering a nuanced perspective on the development of legal norms.

Boyle's critique of the legalist approach is both insightful and thought-provoking. He argues that while these early 20th-century legal developments were well-intentioned, they were often ineffective in practice, particularly in preventing the outbreak of World War II. This argument is supported by a thorough historical analysis, which makes a valuable contribution to the understanding of the limitations and potential of international law in world affairs.

However, the book could be critiqued for its narrow focus on legal aspects to the detriment of other factors, such as economic and geopolitical interests, that also significantly influence international relations. Some readers may find that this legal-centric view does not fully account for the complexity of international politics and the multiple forces at play in shaping world order.

Additionally, Boyle's writing style, while scholarly and thorough, may be dense and challenging for readers who are not well-versed in legal jargon or the intricacies of international law. This could limit the book's accessibility to a broader audience interested in international relations and history.

“Foundations of World Order" is a significant scholarly work that contributes to the understanding of the development of international legal norms and their impact on the formation of the modern world order. Boyle's detailed analysis provides valuable insights into the successes and limitations of the legalist approach to international relations. While the book's focus is primarily legal and might benefit from a more multidisciplinary perspective, it remains a crucial resource for students and scholars of international law and history.

GPT