Introduction to the Paperback Edition
Mark Weston Janis, Carolyn M. Evans · 2004
1999, Mark Janis' Introduction noted that the 'connection between religion and international law is close but nowadays surpdsingly little studied or analyzed.'This is all much changed.In just five years time, the impact of religion on the international legal community has become obvious to many, painfully so.Scholarly interest in the relationship between religion and the conduct of international relations has blossomed in Western societies, unfortunately for the worst of reasons.The twenty-two essays below pre-date the September 11 attacks, but the issues with which they deal and their relevance are all the more compelling.Importantly, the essays demonstrate that, besides inspidng violence, religion plays many other, often more constructive, roles in the development of international law.We feel it is more important than ever to bdng this thoughtful and challenging collection of essays on religion and international law to the post September 11 world.The past few years have taught us that respectful, thoughtful dialogue between people from different backgrounds and different religious beliefs is essential if humanity is to have a shared future.International law seeks to develop a legal framework that emphasizes our common humanity and dignity.If international law is to achieve this aim, then intemationallawyers can no longer afford to ignore the importance that religion plays for many individuals and in many societies.With this book we hope to make a modest contdbution to that dialogue.