HISTORIOGRAPHY OF THE EVOLUTION OF INTERNATIONAL LAW AND ITS SCIENCE: MAIN STAGES OF FORMATION AND DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Introduction. The article is dedicated to the analysis of the evolution of international law and its science through the prism of historiographical research. It aims to identify the main stages of the formation and development of international legal concepts that reflect changes in international relations from ancient times to the present day. The article discusses key scientific schools that have shaped international law as a science, as well as important historical factors that have influenced its development.

Summary of the main research findings. The main part of the research highlights the key stages of the formation of the historiography of international law, starting from its origins in antiquity, through the Middle Ages and the early modern period, when, based on the works of predecessors, researchers began to systematize the main principles of international relations. The author emphasizes the importance of the works of prominent legal scholars such as Isidore of Seville, Raymond of Penafort, Guillaume de René, Sinibald de Fieschi, Thomas Aquinas, Christine de Pizan, Hugo Grotius, Cornelius van Bynkershoek, Samuel von Pufendorf, and others. The article highlights the deep interest in international law's history demonstrated by researchers working at universities located on the territories of Ukraine (both within the Russian Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire) in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The main findings of the research also focus on the historiography of international law in the context of changes that took place in the second half of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century, with an emphasis on the features of contemporary foreign and domestic historiography. Special attention is paid to modern approaches that unite different legal systems in a global context and the need to adapt international law to new challenges.

Conclusion. The conclusions emphasize the importance of understanding the evolution of international law through a historiographical lens for a deeper understanding of contemporary issues in international relations and law. The analysis conducted reveals how historical events, cultural and political changes influenced the formation of modern international legal doctrine. It is noted that the development of the historiography of international law is an ongoing process, continuously adapting to changing conditions. The growth in the number of scholarly works on the history of international law reflects the overall trend towards specialization and universalization. Scholars focus not only on studies that generally characterize the stages of development of international law, but also on more specific aspects, such as the analysis of individual international treaties, the history of particular branches or institutions of international law, etc.