Which philosopher emphasized the need to form common international principles?

• A. Kant
• B. Mazzini
• C. Wilson
• D. Marx

Answer: (A)

Forming common international principles rests on the idea that there are universal norms that all states should follow to live peacefully. Kant argues that lasting peace comes from boundless respect for universal rights and a federation of free republics that commit to shared legal norms. He treats international law as arising from reason: states should legislate themselves as constitutional, consent to a common legal framework, and recognize each other as autonomous players within a universal order. This makes his view foundational for the idea of common international principles, beyond mere power politics.

Other figures point in different directions. Mazzini focused on nationalist unity within a single nation for a larger purpose, Wilson championed practical postwar diplomacy and institutions rather than a universal theoretical framework, and Marx centers on class struggle and international working-class solidarity rather than universal state principles. Kant uniquely anchors international cooperation in universal, rational norms that all states could adopt.