Hugo Grotius

Hugo Grotius was a 17th-century philosopher who is often called the "father of international law." He argued that natural rights exist independently of laws and governments, suggesting that all individuals have inherent rights. Grotius contributed to Social Contract Theory by positing that societies are formed to protect these rights, implying a mutual agreement among individuals to maintain peace and order. He also emphasized state sovereignty, asserting that nations have the authority to govern themselves without outside interference, which laid the groundwork for modern concepts of national and international law. His ideas remain essential in discussions about rights and governance.