The history of international relations based on sovereign states is often traced back to the Peace of Westphalia of 1648, a stepping stone in the development of the modern state system. Prior to this the European medieval organization of political authority was based on a vaguely hierarchical religious order.nternational relations is an academic and a public policy field, and so can be positive and normative, because it analyzes and formulates the foreign policy of a given State.
Maritime Law. What is the 'Maritime Law'. Maritime law is a body of laws, conventions and treaties that governs international private business or other matters involving ships, shipping or crimes occurring on open water.
Admiralty and Maritime Law: Admiralty and maritime law covers the business and commercial (but not recreational) use of coastal and navigable waters, including the great lakes, rivers, bays, harbors, and ports.