The U.S Government's Practice Of International Law In Contemporary History

After the end of WW II, the two remaining superior powers– USA and USSR– facedeach other as rivals on nearly every area of international affairs. The conflict ended with thedownfall of the USSR and the victory of the USA. With the end of the cold war the USemerged as the most powerful nation. It is quite obvious that they will also in the foreseeablefuture be able to maintain their hegemony.Compared to other nations, the US enjoy a highdegree of freedom of action on behalf of their overwhelming strength. On behalf of itsstrength and hegemonial power the US government tends often to look down on internationalregulations and to deny any relationship between international law and internationalpolicy.This point of view became especially under the administration of G.W. Bush junior adominant principle of US policy.The position of the US have an enormous impact on its international policymaking aswell as on the development of international politics. My thesis is concerned with the gapbetween international politics and its interpretation and practical enactment by the USgovernment. The thesis focuses upon the factors which were and are influencing the USapproach towards international law. It analyzes its policy using different methodicalapproaches provided by political studies, theory of international affairs, law studies etc. It isexpected that we will have clear and objective realization on the complexity of US foreignpolicy and its practice.Since the US are today the most powerful nation, its definition of international law has adeep impact on international affairs in general and means also on our own nation'sinternational policy. In this century, China is foreseed to own the rapid development ofeconomy and society. To attain this aim, Chinese government must emphasize and put moreenergy on studying international law. Focusing on the US administration's interpretation anduse of international law, my thesis is therefore also concerned with China's position andpolicymaking regarding international affairs influenced by US in the process of being one partof international regimes.