The Historical Foundations of World Order ― The Tower and the Arena

In this remarkable history, Johnston (d.2006) explores the concept of unified world order--essentially a unifying worldview--throughout history, from classical Greece and Rome to post-9/11 America. The basis for his history is to trace the history and development of the field of international law (in which he had a celebrated career, teaching at several universities in Canada and the U.S., and working for several Canadian and American agencies). The volume begins with two chapters describing the system of international law, with individual sections devoted to the law of the sea, transportation, treaties, the Arctic environment, and sovereignty and security. Subsequent chapters examine the concept of order and authority through history, with attention to both western and Asian culture (Johnston's specializations included China). The work is written in accessible language and will be of interest to scholars and students in the field of international law as well as those interested in world history and historiography. Martinus Nijhoff is an imprint of Brill. Annotation c2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Professor Douglas M. Johnston was considered by many to be one of the most creative scholarly minds in international law during the latter half of the 20th Century. He passed away on May 6th, 2006, six days after his 75th birthday and after having just completed the five-year project of research and writing that has culminated in this book.