law of nations
The "law of nations" is an older term often synonymous with international law, governing the conduct and relationships of countries and international actors.
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Definition
C1International Relations
(formal, legal)A body of rules and principles that govern the conduct and relations of sovereign states and international actors.
Example
- The law of nations ensures that countries adhere to agreed-upon standards in their interactions.
- Diplomats often refer to the law of nations when negotiating treaties.
C1Legal Studies
(academic, historical)The set of customary and treaty-based international laws that establish the rights and duties of countries in their interactions.
Example
- Students of international law study the law of nations to understand global legal frameworks.
- The law of nations includes principles derived from both treaties and customary practices.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "law of nations":