The Law of Nations

The Law of Nations, the short version of the English title of the work, "Droit des gens; ou, Principes de la loi naturelle appliqués à la conduite et aux affaires des nations et des souverains", first published in 1758. It was written by Swiss philosopher, diplomat and legal expert Emerich de Vattel (1714-1767).

Vattel's work was greatly admired and often quoted and his reasoning emulated by the founding fathers of the United States. For example, Alexander Hamilton held Vattel in high esteem. In particular James Madison, nicknamed the "Father of the Constitution" or the "Godfather of the Constitution" because of his substantial contributions to its creation, was well steeped in the prose and arguments of Vattel and followed them closely. Madison's notes during the constitutional convention are sprinkled with references to Vattel's works, in particular, "The Law of Nations".