Grotius, Hugo

Hugo Grotius was a Dutch philosopher and legal scholar from the early 17th century, often regarded as one of the founders of international law. He introduced the idea that there are natural laws and rights that govern human conduct, regardless of national borders, emphasizing principles of justice and peace. His work provided a framework for understanding how nations can interact peacefully and resolve conflicts through agreed-upon rules. Grotius's ideas laid the groundwork for modern international diplomacy, human rights, and the legal norms that promote cooperation among countries today.