LAW2

PPOL 650

Page 1 of 12

PPOL 650

For each assigned reading, summarize the main principles and reflect on these principles in order to make the content meaningful to you. This will ensure that you understand the reading and its relationship to current events. The reflective comments may draw on your experiences or information from other readings. You must also critique ideas in light of a biblical worldview. Approximate length of main principles summaries must be 100–125 words each and must be in paragraph form, and the reflective comments must be 150–200 words each. Submit the Reading Summary and Reflective Comments by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Sunday in Modules/Weeks 1–7, adding the new entries each time.

Student: Reading

Assignment Main Principles Reflective Comments

Reading Summary 1 Henderson Understanding International Law gives a

working definition of international law along with the foundational elements such law is built on. International law is about setting up rules and norms that allow for effecting diplomacy. Modern foundations of international law rest in humanist philosophy and the understanding of natural law. 16th century legal commentators also contributed greatly to the development of political philosophy.

The reach of globalization has intensified the need for codified rules on global diplomacy. This factor is very apparent in the cooperation of global markets. To understanding international law, it is critical to understand the actors within this realm. The state acts as a sovereign entity that has autonomy and a collective responsibility to its citizens. Under international law, the state has a level of responsibility in how it conducts itself towards citizens but also other nations in the global community.

Much like the foundational beginnings of international relations, international law has its

beginnings in 16th century political philosophy and the historical events of the era. Humans have engaged in international law as early as biblical times. Nations have worked together in trade, border disputes, and cultural clashes. For example, the story of Joseph

involves an individual who found himself eventually managing the agricultural resource for a foreign

nation. God used Joseph to manage a foreign nation’s resources and territory to save the lives of his people and other nations. From Joseph’s story (Genesis 37), we have an ancient example of a state maintaining its social contract to protect its citizens while engaging in the geo-political framework of human welfare.

From a historical context, modern international law reflects the outcome of historical events and political philosophy. The Treaty of Westphalia initiated a change from theocracy to state sovereignty and the rights of citizens. International law reinforces the rights of the citizens along with the responsibility

Page 2 of 12

PPOL 650

of the government. Unlike ancient times, the globalization of markets, resources, technology, and crime make it imperative for international law to play a role in today’s society.

Payne

The opening chapters of Global Issues focuses on the early developments of state sovereignty and the necessity for pluralism and interdependence within the global community. Much of what we know as international law came from the concept of sovereignty and the development of international laws to replace the Catholic legal system. International law has early beginnings in the 16th century and was heavily articulated by a Dutch lawyer named Hugo Grotius. Ideas revolving around man’s relationship with the state, natural law, and the need for international diplomacy began to take shape centuries before the United States declared these rights in 1776.

Fast forward to the 20th Century and the international community has made extensive strides in global governance. The Post-World War II era brought about the United Nations and the European Union. Nonstate actors like economic organizations, advocacy groups, and service organizations play a major part in the current global landscape. The expansion of globalization changed the geo-political landscape and increased the development of international law.

The development of the current state model and subsequent growth of international politics has its inception in Western philosophy. The post Renaissance world and spread of humanism brought about a change in social and political norms. Europeans challenged the Catholic Church grasp on political power. The marriage of political philosophy and Christian thought can be seen in the Protestant reformation. From a historical context, Martin Luther, Thomas Paine, and John Hobbs play a key role in the development of modern Western political philosophy. This philosophy fueled the emergence of secular government while promoting religious freedom. Biblical ideas of law, Gods desire for man to subdue the land, freedom of choice, and the pursuit of happiness, are all factors in the modern State and international law. Looking at the current landscape, Christian organizations play a major role in the capacity of nonstate actors. For example, Christian organizations assist in advocacy, medical service, and economic relief within the international community.

United States

Constitution

The United States Constitution laid the foundation for the structure, laws, and rules for the American governmental establishment. It further relates to the relationship man will have with its

After reading the writings of Henderson and Payne, the US Constitution is a major development in Western philosophy. The Constitution codifies ideas

from Humanism, biblical philosophy, and the

Page 3 of 12

PPOL 650

government along with the responsibilities of both parties. The unique aspect of the US Constitution is

that it is an evolving document. Constitutional Amendments were ratified throughout the 18th, 19th,

and 20th centuries. These changes reflect the political, social, and moral changes in American society.

The Constitution protects individual freedoms

and institutions that are critical to the maintenance of freedom and development. For example, freedoms of

expression, the press, and speech were all major elements in early European society. All these

institutions were suppressed and played a role in transforming the State model in 17th century Europe. The above-mentioned freedoms are secured within

the first 10 Amendments known as “The Bill of Rights.”

growing idea of sovereignty and the State-Centric model. The ideas of Martin Luther, Thomas Hobbs,

and John Locke are ever present in The Bill of Rights.

The signers of the Declaration of Independence lived in the shadow of the Protestant Reformation, the

fall of the theocratic state, the invention of the printing press, and their own political turmoil. All

these variables are seen when one looks at the Constitution. The Constitution also looks at the worth of the individual. This category is heavy with biblical philosophy. For example, the Constitution reinforces

man’s God given value due to man being the reflection of our creator. Genesis 1:27 reads, “So

God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created

them.” Therefore, the state does not grant us worth; such status is granted by God.

Reading Summary 2 Henderson Henderson’s book dives deeper into the various

aspects of international law and how it is applied in the international landscape. For example, the use of customary law and treaty law. Customary law revolves around lessons learned from various outcomes when working with states. Treaty laws are based on international agreements between states. Both aspects of law play a major role in peace keeping and organization within the international community. To better understand the scope of international law, one may look at public and private aspects of international law. Public factors deal with a state’s

International law plays a major role in trade, human rights development, and peace keeping. The UN

plays a major role in developing laws that affect child welfare and human rights. The UN encompasses a

group of nations that have pledge their cooperation to establishing a peaceful world order. This factor revolves around having ethical leadership. This

reminds me of Proverbs 29:12, “If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will be wicked”.

Within instances of bad leadership, one would question how affective enforcing international law

would be on uncooperative, nonmember nations. Acts of reprisal and demonstration can only do so much

Page 4 of 12

PPOL 650

rights and duty to engage in diplomacy, war, and intervention. The private aspect involves private individuals and groups and how they engage across borders. International law carry’s out three key functions: the making of rules and laws, the enforcement of rules, and adjudication of these laws. Legislation of international law can take place within the UN General Assembly. Within the UN numerous laws are passed that affect the global community. The enforcement of international law can come by way of reprisal, retorsion, or intervention. The UN tries to stray away from war and armed conflict as a means of law enforcement. States tend to protest, engage in trade wars, and cease assets of non-cooperative states that disrupt global order.

when dealing with nations that harbor/support terrorism. Levels of armed intervention may be necessary in today’s climate of global terrorism.

However, further questions arise when armed groups claim no nation or state. The United States, as a

superpower, is able to enact the “rule of the strong” when it comes to foreign policy. The use of force is not something the US strays away from. Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring freedom are

examples of the US using war to advance their security and advance national interests.

Payne International law plays a major role in human rights. Human rights are broken down into varies categories.

These include: Civil rights, Political rights, Social rights. These rights revolve around personal freedoms, civic

freedoms and duties, and health and education benefits. The global influence of superpowers has contributed to

the globalization of human rights. These rights have root in social contract theories where the government acts as the ruling authority in exchange for protecting individual

rights. Payne’s text further explains the role the UN has in

monitoring human rights abuses. International human rights legislation has its roots in the Council of Europe that took place in 1948. The goal of this council is to protect human rights and promote democracy. The

promotion of human rights and democracy has a lot to do with cultural identity. Cultural relativism plays a key role

Payne’s writings highlight the major clash of civilizations that exists between Western and Islamic societies. For example, the application of Sharia law

can affect how an Islamic nation enacts women’s rights, torture, and the death penalty. Furthermore, the collective identity of the citizens has an effect on the normality of human rights violations. Although the international community may impose economic or diplomatic sanctions, these abuses may be a normal part of everyday life in these countries. For example,

there are some nations that still utilize corporal punishment like whippings and canings. Cruel and unusual punishments like beheadings, stoning, and

dismemberment are still forms of punishment used in modern times.

Human rights must be protected by ethical leaders.

Page 5 of 12

PPOL 650

in how a nation adopts human rights protections based on their cultural norms.

Titus 1:7 explains that as a leader, we are God's stewards. A leader must be above reproach and not be arrogant or quick-tempered, violent, or greed. A society must not have a leader that supports violence against women or enacts extreme levels of torture to subdue citizens. Exodus 22:22 further establishes not mistreating widows and orphaned children.

U.N. Charter

The UN Charter is very similar to the US Constitution in its verbiage and desire to secure rights. The UN Charter establishes the promotion and protection of human rights

on a global scale. The Charter further seeks to build relationships with member and non-member nations in

order to maintain world peace. The UN Charter establishes a legislative and voting structure that is like the UN Constitution. Member nations participate in a General Assembly where

international matters are discussed. Member nations are allowed one vote in the General Assembly and decisions

are based on a two-thirds majority vote. The UN Charter also establishes the Security Council which consists of eleven UN members. China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America are all permanent members of the Security

Council. Security Council members are also allowed one vote and are allowed to develop sub organizations in

order to affectively manage global concerns.

The UN Charter reads like the US Constitution and reflects US influence on the organization. The

document reflects the concerns of a global community following World War II. During this

conflict issues of genocide and human rights were prominent within the global community.

Globalization plays a key role in the need for a global standard for human rights. America’s cultural

influence has impacted the increase in human rights standards throughout the world.

The UN Security Council is significant for galvanizing support for interventionist operations. Situations like the Rwanda Genocide, The Congo Civil Wars, and Operations in Somalia were major

operations the UN participated in. Within the biblical world view it is important to assist nations in need. Deuteronomy 15:11 talks about the persistence of poverty in the land; therefore, God commands we

offer our service to the needing. The use of force can be altruistic in promoting human rights and protecting

oppressed populations. Reading Summary 3

Henderson Diplomacy is a key component to preventing conflict. Diplomacy is the tool that provides state leadership a platform to air our grievances, develop partnerships, and sign treaties. Diplomacy fortifies human rights,

Diplomatic summits have played a key role in major historic events within global affairs. The post-World War II geopolitical climate was filled with conflict and tension. Following the World War II and the

Page 6 of 12

PPOL 650

economic and environmental development. Within Diplomacy there are rules and positions that hold importance. For example,

diplomats enjoy privileges and immunities that protect their residence, staff, and families while

working overseas. The three main classes of diplomat include: ambassador, minister, and charges d’affaires.

These classifications vary in rank but conduct business on behalf of their nation.

There are several tactics involved in diplomacy. The primary tactic is negotiation, which involves offers and counter-offers until an agreement is reached. Intermediaries also help in passing information between disputing parties. Third parties can also

contribute in mediation efforts.

All the above variables play a major role with the UN General assembly and instituting arms limitations to prevent wars. Limiting high power ballistic weapons, helps the world remain safe for future generations.

establishment of the UN, global society moved right into the Cold War. In many cases conflict is instigated

by the elite of the nations and the everyday citizens pay the price of sacrificing their lives for it.

The Vienna Summit represents and event where US and Russian leaders came together to try and prevent a nuclear conflict. The type of leadership a nation has can dictate how a nation is run. A nation’s leader can also dictate how other nations interact and negotiate with their country. Philippians 2:3 reminds us to not

do things out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. However, we should do things out of humility and

valuing others before ourselves. An ideal diplomat is also and ethical leader of high moral character. Such an individual brings honor, not just to the nation, but

to God.

Payne Weapons proliferation and terrorism are major threats to global peace. Terrorism has existed globally for centuries; however, September 11 represented a

change of the guard in how the world combated it.

The US established the Department of Homeland Security in 2003 as an effort to synchronize 22 Federal intelligence and enforcement agencies. Today, due to globalization, it is imperative that nations work together in combating this treat.

Terrorism is placed into 5 categories: Domestic, Nationalist, Religious, State, and Global. Each

With the globalization of crime and terrorism, it is critical that America work with its many allies globally. A major ally within the Middle East is

Israel. Israel shares America’s desire to fight Islamic terrorism and uphold democracy in the region. The

geopolitical relationship between Israel and America reminds me of Proverbs 27:17, “Iron Sharpens iron,

and one man sharpens another.” It is imperative America maintains these relationships and

strengthens them during the tumultuous and unpredictable times we live in.

Page 7 of 12

PPOL 650

category encompasses a variety of groups, ethnicities, and genders.

The treat of large-scale warfare hangs on the minds of the global population. Superpower rivalry’s like the Cold War, highlighted geopolitical concerns of

war. In an effort to prevent catastrophic nuclear war, the global community recognizes Non-Proliferation Treaties. This monitors atomic programs to prevent

another nuclear arms race.

Beyond Terrorism, large scale war is a major threat to the global population. Earlier in 2017, it was unsure how US’s relationship with North Korea would turn out due to the aggressive language of both leaders. It is important to maintain a strong geopolitical position without provoking war. Much like in other conflicts,

diplomacy plays a major role in diffusing conflicts. In this capacity, isolationism can affect how the US mitigates risks, assists allies, and reconcile with

enemies. Reading Summary 4

Henderson Henderson outlines core international crimes that are heinous in nature and have a major impact on

mankind. These crimes can be characterized as crimes against humanity. These crimes involve wide spread harm against unarmed civilians. Genocide is also a crime involving wide spread harm; however,

genocide is the attempt to kill an entire group. Many of the international laws and treaties to prevent such acts sprung from major wars. For example, World

War II saw the creation of the United Nations (UN), the UN Security Council. From this group sprung

International Criminal Courts and tribunals to punish those that disrupt global peace.

The establishment of the Nuremberg Charter in 1945, was the first effort to legally establish crimes against humanity. The UN would later establish a Genocide

Convention in 1948 to establish classifications of genocide along with crimes against humanity.

When one thinks of genocide and crimes against humanity, they tend to look at events like the Holocaust. Furthermore, these cataclysmic events are thought of as relics of the past due to lack of large scale media coverage of current situations. Today, Myanmar is being investigated for genocide against its Rohingya population. Individuals from the war in Bosnia are still being brought before courts for crimes. A major crime against humanity that does not get recognized in the media is Christian persecution.

In our lifetime Christian persecution involves mass killing and religious suppression. Much of this comes from Islamic territories that were once Christian. Outside of the Middle Eastern region, Christians are targeted in African nations like Nigeria, Sudan, and Mali. Although the Bible speaks about persevering and enduring persecution, we are also in a position to provide protection and justice to the afflicted. “Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of

Page 8 of 12

PPOL 650

the wicked.” Psalms 82:3-4

Payne

Payne gives a breakdown of trade and how it affects the global landscape. Globalization plays a major role in markets and economics. Intergovernmental organizations like the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank work to address and mitigate economic concerns in the global community. The IMF was created by the United States and its allies to manage exchange rates and payments amongst nations. The World Bank assists with capital investments in needing nations. The management of trade and currency exchange is a major component of international agreements. Many are concerned with global inequality and how capitalism and the distribution of wealth affects nations. This can be seen through the inequality between developed and underdeveloped nations. A nation’s geography, colonialism, and economic & political structure affect a nation’s stability.

The act of engaging in trade and commerce is an ancient practice between human populations. In the

modern era, globalization of markets, travel, and technology make economic cohesion imperative

between states. Organizations like the World Bank are very polarizing in the eyes of developing nations. I have heard some arguments that criticize how the

World Bank distributes aid. Often the aid doesn’t go to job creation or sectors that are pillars to modern industrialization. World bank and IMF summits are

usually engulfed with major protests around the world. Protesters do not agree with how the World

Bank/IMF can undermine states and take over education and health services.

Despite the pros and cons of global financial institutions, Christians are charged to help assist the

poor and needy. This involves not exploiting or oppressing the poor. The Book of Proverbs is rich

with ideas on how we should be blessing to the poor along with being good stewards with our financial

blessings. Reading Summary 5

Henderson The globalization of human rights has played a revolutionary role in ensuring states act as protectors of citizens’ rights as opposed to oppressive political

units. NGO’s like Amnesty International and the Human Rights Watch, have pressed for treaties that support human rights. During the 1700’s there was a revolutionary push in European society to overthrow

Religious freedom is a human right that we tend to take for granite in the United States and the western

world. Within the global community, there are a number of repressive governments that are very hostile towards other religions. This hostility can equate to persecution and extend to other human rights violations like the persecution of women or

Page 9 of 12

PPOL 650

oppressive regimes and codify human rights. These rights were based in humanist thought and political thinkers like John Locke and Thomas Paine. Fast

forward to post World War II, and the UN pushes for a mandate on collective human rights as a global

norm.

Although there is a global push for basic human rights, cultural norms have an influence on a nations ideals. Concepts like slavery, women’s rights, and

labor rights can vary from nation-to-nation.

genocide. Despite the push for a globalized norm of basic human rights, Christians are very much

persecuted across the globe. Many talk about a “war of Christmas” or a “war on Christians” within

America; however, there is a literal war taking place. Christians face a cultural genocide in many Islamic

nations, China, and North Korea.

Christians, in the west, should look at human rights advocacy as a cause that includes the global faithful

community. There are persecuted Christians who suffer a number of human rights abuses. The Book of Proverbs calls upon Gods people to be the voice for the voiceless and defend the rights of the poor and

needy (Proverbs 31:8-9). There are a number of Christian NGO’s that do the work to protect and

support Christian communities that are under repressive governments.

Payne The global community shares a single resource, the planet earth. Actions taken by one nation can affect other populations on the globe. Concerns related to environmental destruction, pollution, and nuclear fallout are not exclusive to one nation. The global

community has engaged in a number of conferences to mitigate environmental concerns. These include: the UN Conference on the Human Environment in

1972, the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable development.

Many of the problems facing the globe involve human’s effect on the environment and our use of

natural resources. For example, deforestation affects air quality, water supplies, and climate stability. Trees play a major role in absorption of carbon dioxide in

Planetary resources are something that Christians should protect and preserve. In evangelical circles,

Christians do not tend to work towards environmental causes because it is not a staple of American

conservatism. Christian convictions should not come from political party talking points, but from Gods

word. God is the creator of all things on heaven and earth, both visible and invisible (Colossians 1:16). Understanding that God is the artisan behind our

earthly environment, we should work to protect his creation.

Issues like deforestation, ocean pollution, and climate instability revolve around man’s activity on the

planet. Although God has an ultimate plan for the

Page 10 of 12

PPOL 650

our atmosphere. Ocean pollution also affects the planets water resources and the species that live in

the ocean. Population growth and human migration is also a

global concern and problem that is mitigated through conferences and dialogues.

earth, we should still honor him through taking care of his craftsmanship. In the Book of Isaiah, the

prophet declares that the wild animals honor God (Isaiah 43:20) Christians should work to protect Gods creation and the resources he has provided for us on the planet. Support for ecological causes and NGO’s can play a major part in improving global calamities.

Reading Summary 6

Payne

With the globalization of technology, communications, and the financial sectors, comes the increase in global crime. Global crime is not a new phenomenon but it does take on different methods. For example drug use and the proliferation of the drug industry, has existed for centuries. A prime example is the British involvement in pressuring China to produce and import opium. This trade created a global market of addicts across Asia and Europe. Today we have a global drug problem across the eastern and western hemispheres of the globe.

In order to combat global crime, there are global intelligence networks in place. These networks share information across nations. This is a major aspect in combating crime in Europe. The Interpol organization, based in France, transmits police data across the European Union. This network is imperative due to global markets in drugs, human trafficking, and stolen merchandise.

Crime is something that is ever present throughout history and affects every nation across the globe. Many of the crimes spoken of in the Bible are staple activities in mankind’s everyday movement. Crimes like murder, theft, and sex crimes, all were spoken of in the Bible, but have taken on new mediums with the globalization of technology. The globalization of such activities has much to do with human’s sinful nature. Despite the cultural background, sin abounds in man’s heart.

Understanding original sin, helps to give a broader understanding of the proliferation of crime across the globe. The state of sin each human being is born into has its inception with the fall of Adam and Eve presented in Genesis. Coupled with Adams fall was the human condition of a tendency towards sinful activity, universal suffering, and eventual death. The Apostle Paul further spoke of this in the book of Romans. Paul parallels man’s fall with Christ’s redemption, highlighting that sin and death entered through Adam. Christ, on the other hand, brought grace and eternal life (Romans 5:12-19).

Reading Summary 7

Page 11 of 12

PPOL 650

Payne

The globalization of disease and public health concerns is something that takes cooperation from

many nation-states. Much like with the push to globalize human rights, there is also a push to standardize sanitation and disease prevention.

Disease is not only a health issue, but a security issue. Human security focuses on the individual as

the primary factor in security. For example, preventing a global pandemic starts with addressing

social, economic, and environmental conditions.

As far as global security is concerned, there are a number of examples in recent history where a disease has taken on a global reach. In 2006, avian flu galvanized the global community in order to prevent it from spreading. The Spanish flu pandemic in 1918- 1920 caused 50 million deaths and is recognized as the most recent lethal influenza pandemic. Today the proliferation of AIDS/HIV is a major concern to standardizing global health practices.

Today we live in a time where the spread of disease is a reality that many have witnessed over the years.

Some epidemics can be accounted for by the lack of hygiene and quality of life concerns that take place in certain nations. One common thread between many of these diseases is that they afflict both first world

and third world nations. The text talks about how individuals play a role in prevention. This can include hygienic activities, sexual activity, and other personal preventative measures. In this regard, biblical law addresses a number of activities that require people to engage (or not engage) in certain activities that would make one unclean. Levitical law addressed issues such as when to bath, how to bath, disposal of human waste, the burial of the dead, not interacting with dead animal carcasses, this list goes on. The Bible is very explicit about sexual activity. Some

the diseases that afflict the global population, are a result of heedless sexual practices. Although one can get the HIV/AIDS virus from several sources, sexual

immorality is a major factor in the spread of this disease. This factor highlights that Gods law isn’t just

about arduous mortification and ignoring personal pleasures. Much of Gods edicts are about self-

preservation and require simple obedience.

Page 12 of 12