As international law has evolved, it has become increasingly focused on individual rights and accountability. Since the end of WWII, after the Nuremberg Trials, countries have begun to emphasize individual responsibility in conflict resolution and the sanctity of human life. This trend led to the creation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which passed despite the Communist Bloc’s abstention. There have also been more covenants created between countries that specify additional rights.

Some of the most important aspects of international law are the maintenance of international peace, the regulation of force and other aspects of international relations. As a result of international law, there are principles governing hostilities, human rights, torture and other aspects of global relations. The Geneva Convention on the Law of Treaties contains provisions on international trade, the environment and the use of force in war. Chomsky, who has worked in these fields for decades, believes in a better future.

The development of international law began around the fifteenth century. Byzantine Empire Greek scholars contributed to the development of international law. The introduction of the printing press, which was a great boon to the development of science, humanism and notions of individual rights, challenged scholars to develop conceptual frameworks for their relations with different cultures. The growth of centralized states meant more trade and wealth, which necessitated the creation of rules that would protect the interests of all countries.