Civilization and International Legitimacy: the Hague Peace Conferences and Western Perceptions of the Far East

Abstract

In 1899 and 1907 the ‘civilized’ nations of the world came together to work towards the advancement of civilization through arbitration, disarmament, and ultimately perpetual peace. The two International Peace Conferences at The Hague drastically expanded international society developing international law and heralding the growth of globalization―a legacy that remains with us today. Distinctly, the participating nations at the conferences were accredited members with equal rights and status under international law. In that sense, their participation at the Conferences reflected their ‘civilized’ status. Therefore, many Far Eastern governments, particularly China, Japan, and Korea, sought to partake in these conferences and assert their rights in international society. In the context of the western interaction with the Far East, this thesis highlights the contemporary western perceptions of East Asia during the time of the two Hague Conferences. In so doing, it offers insight into the underlying concepts of international legitimacy and civilization in the diplomacy of (Western) international society and asks questions about how the three Asian nations were incorporated into that system. Overall, while placing greater significance on the Hague Peace Conferences, this thesis emphasizes the role of international legitimacy and civilization within the operations of power in the era of early globalization.