Pragmatic and instinctive, a creature of his life and law courses in Lemberg, Lauterpacht believed in the possibility of reining in the power of the state. This would be achieved not by aspiration, whether of writers or pacifists, but through ideas that were rigorous and rooted, to do justice and contribute to “international progress.” To this end, he wanted an international law that was less isolated and elite, more open to “outside influence.” His thesis—to use general principles of national law to strengthen international obligations—was published in May 1927, to great scholarly acclaim.
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