Enhancing the Acceptability of Compulsory Procedures of International Dispute Settlement

Abstract

If peace without law is unthinkable, peace under law is much to be strived for and desired. In the humanity’s long struggle for peace, one of the oldest, most important and appropriate, approaches to peace has been the peaceful settlement of disputes on the basis of law. In all civilized societies, disputes between individuals are settled in courts under the rule of law. But the law of jungle still prevails as the ultimate mechanism to settle disputes between nations. If we want to avoid the bloodbath of continuous warfare we see all around in our international society, we should be prepared to resolve our disputes through impartial third-party settlement, if direct negotiations between parties fail. That is the only civilized way to settle disputes. Supremacy of law within nations insures freedom of individuals. Supremacy of law in the community of nations, it is hoped, will free mankind from the dread of endemic violence and destruction we see and hear everyday all over the world.