First Page
809
Abstract
he point of view of How Nations Behave is that of the experienced teacher and wise statesman. Henkin begins by pointing out that all statesmen assume the binding force of some fundamental rules such as: treaties must be obeyed, ambassadors protected, territorial integrity of others respected, and that failure to observe these rules has the most dire consequences. Those consequences rarely involve the use of force, but those who define "law" to include only coercive systems based on a monopoly of force cannot, in their analysis of international relations or in their practical decisions as statesmen, take account of one of the major sources of stability and a sense of order that wise statesmen would want to emphasize. In the main, Henkin continues, states do observe international law, not only because wise statesmen are aware of the legal order, but also because it is in their most obvious interest to do so, regardless of the jurisprudential difficulties they may have in grasping the system.
Recommended Citation
Alfred P. Rubin,
Book Review: How Nations Behave,
12 Vanderbilt Law Review
809
(1979)
Available at: https://scholarship.law.vanderbilt.edu/vjtl/vol12/iss3/9