Originally published in 1958, this book assesses the continuity and variety of international societies as they have existed in recent history. Although the study of international institutions is firmly based on a foundation of law, this book also encompasses sociology, history and politics. The introduction defines the elements of international society in terms of the accepted principles of group psychology. Part 1 considers the origins of 20th Century international institutions. This historical analysis runs from the ancient civilizations through to the greatly changed relations which followed World War II. The general notions and sources of international law are then examined. Part 2 deals with the structure of day-to-day relations between States and the means of recognizing changes within a State. The United Nations and principal regional organizations are also examined.
Introduction: The Nature and Characteristics of International Relations 1: Fundamental Characteristics of the Group 2: The Question of Social Order. Annex: The Sociology of Conflicts Part 1: Origin and Foundation of Present-Day International Institutions 1. The Historical Evolution of International Relations and International Institutions up to the Second World War 2. International Relations After the Second World War 3. General Notions of Contemporary International Law 4. The Formal Sources of International Law Part 2: The States 1. The Constituent Elements 2: General Intercourse Between the States 3. Structural Relations Between States Part 3: International Organisations 1. The Notion of International Organisation 2. Some Major Juridical Problems of International Organisations 3. The United Nations and the Principal Regional Organisations.
Biography
Paul Reuter (1911 - 1990) was regarded as one of the twentieth century's greatest specialists on international law. The many books and articles he published on topics such as public international law, the law of treaties, international or European organizations bear witness to his expertise and are regarded as authoritative by academic and government circles alike.
Original Review of International Institutions:
‘This work is to be commended for the attention given by the author to a number of matters too often neglected by legal writers…’ D.H.N. Johnson, The Modern Law Review, Vol 22, No. 1 (1959).
