Evolution of International Society in the New Dynamics of International Relations

In the classical meaning, the international society consisting of sovereign states plays a role of an international environment in the international system. Taking into consideration the dynamic transformation in the world politics after the Cold War, globalization, the strengthened international interdependence in its vertical, as well as horizontal realms, and the institutionalization of international social and political spheres fuels the discussion about the future of the international society, its inner structural changes, common norms, values, and rules. The thesis of the paper is the claim that the changes in international state-society reflecting the dynamic of world politics and the global trends do change the character of the international society, but do not change its essence. A growing and seemingly lasting process is strengthening the role of culture and identity in shaping the new structure of the international society.

The Decalogue and modern criminal law

The ten words written on stone tablets, given to Moses and established as God’s positive law in the pages of the Old Testament, should be read as a signpost for the believer. The precepts and prohibitions of the Decalogue: “Thou shall not kill, Thou shall not steal, Thou shall not bear false witness” are typified as crimes in various legal systems today. The following article deals with the interdependencies and differences between the Divine plan and man-made law. Restrictions under the laws of the Decalogue and the ‘deterrent’ norms of criminal law do not restrain human freedom, but serve the good of all mankind. Man can live without the law, but the law does not function without man as a subject of rights and obligations. Therefore, it is necessary to realise that the Ten Commandments and their consequences in modern criminal law are part of the axiological system and always serve the good of the individual.