Treaty Legal Research

Treaty Legal Research

The developments of international law as a result of World War I

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Vahid Bazzar
P.H.D of International Law of Allameh Tabataba'i University
Abstract
Abstract
World War I, which involved almost all of the major powers in the world from 1914 to 1918, has had a significant role in the development of international law. In fact, the horrific catastrophes and widespread breaches of rights that took place during this war seriously persuaded the international community in case of creating a more coherent legal system. As a result of conclusion of the Versailles Treaty after the end of the war, the states accepted to come together in an international organization with General jurisdiction (the League of Nations), which has set its main goals for promoting international cooperation and achieving international peace and security. Also, according to Constituent Instrument of this organization (the Covenant), the first use of the force was severely restricted in relations between states. The first permanent international court was set up with the aim of establishing a peaceful settlement mechanism for disputes in relations between states. Accepting criminal responsibility for government officials in the international area and humanitarian rights developments can also be cited as achievements of international law as a result of World War I.
World War I, which involved almost all of the major powers in the world from 1914 to 1918, had has a significant role in the development of international law. In fact, the horrific catastrophes and widespread breaches of rights that took place during this war seriously persuaded the international community in case of creating a more coherent legal system. As a result of conclusion of the Versailles Treaty after the end of the war, the states accepted to come together in an international organization with General jurisdiction (the League of Nations), which has set its main goals for promoting international cooperation and achieving international peace and security. Also, according to Constituent Instrument of this organization (the Covenant), the first use of the force was severely restricted in relations between states. The first permanent international court was set up with the aim of establishing a peaceful settlement mechanism for disputes in relations between states. Accepting criminal responsibility for government officials in the international area and humanitarian rights developments can also be cited as achievements of international law as a result of World War I.
Keywords
International Law
World War I
Versailles Treaty
League of Nations
Permanent Court of International Justice

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  • Receive Date 15 November 2018
  • Revise Date 12 May 2020
  • Accept Date 12 January 2019