This
difference, however, between the right of nations and the right of
individuals in the mere state of nature, requires to be determined
by elements which can easily be deduced from the conception of the
latter.
54. Elements of the Right of Nations.
The elements of the right of nations are as follows:
1. States, viewed as nations, in their external relations to one
another- like lawless savages- are naturally in a non-juridical
condition;
2. This natural condition is a state of war in which the right of
the stronger prevails; and although it may not in fact be always found
as a state of actual war and incessant hostility, and although no real
wrong is done to any one therein, yet the condition is wrong in itself
in the highest degree, and the nations which form states contiguous to
each other are bound mutually to pass out of it;
3. An alliance of nations, in accordance with the idea of an
original social contract, is necessary to protect each other against
external aggression and attack, but not involving interference with
their several internal difficulties and disputes;
4. This mutual connection by alliance must dispense with a
distinct sovereign power, such as is set up in the civil constitution;
it can only take the form of a federation, which as such may be
revoked on any occasion, and must consequently be renewed from time to
time.
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