Law and Politics in the World Community

Law and Politics in the World Community: Essays on Hans Kelsen's Pure Theory and Related Problems in International Law is a comprehensive exploration of Hans Kelsen's groundbreaking contributions to legal theory, particularly his Pure Theory of Law. Edited with the participation of distinguished international law scholars, the volume highlights Kelsen's approach to understanding law as a normative science, distinct from political, sociological, or moral considerations. It positions Kelsen as a pivotal figure in 20th-century legal philosophy, whose work shaped the theoretical underpinnings of international law and its role within global politics.

The book offers a nuanced examination of Kelsen's insistence on separating law from value judgments, focusing instead on the structures and validity of legal norms. It delves into Kelsen's argument for a unified monistic legal system that emphasizes the primacy of either national or international law, advocating for the latter as a means to establish global legal coherence. Essays also discuss the broader implications of Kelsen's theories, from their relevance to the United Nations Charter to their enduring influence on debates surrounding international legal order. By integrating theoretical insights with practical considerations, the volume provides both a tribute to Kelsen's intellectual legacy and a critical analysis of his impact on the interplay between law, politics, and global governance.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press's mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1953.