The Mutability of the Law of Nations: Francisco Suárez in Historical and Intellectual Context

Author:

Peychaux, Diego Alejandro Fernández

Font Oporto, Pablo

Format:

Journal Article

Year:

2025

Journal Title:

Journal of Jesuit Studies

Volume:

12

Issue:

4

Language:

English

Abstract:

This article examines Francisco Suárez’s theory of the mutable law of nations in De legibus, arguing that political communities—including non-Christian societies—possess a right to self-determination. Suárez’s dimension of openness rejects abstract and Eurocentric formulations of universalism, recognizing instead plural legal and cultural systems. The analysis situates his thought within colonial debates, demonstrating how his principles implicitly challenged Spanish justifications for conquest. Indigenous voices such as Inca Garcilaso de la Vega and Felipe Guaman Poma de Ayala contested colonial domination in ways that resonate with Suárez’s emphasis on custom and historical context in law. Suárez’s framework ultimately affirms indigenous autonomy, offering an alternative pluralistic model to Eurocentric approaches in international law.

Who (Jesuits):

Suárez, Francisco, 1548–1617

What (Subjects):

Philosophy -- Law -- Law of Nations

When (Centuries):

17th century

16th century

Publisher URL:

https://brill.com/view/journals/jjs/12/4/article-p568_3.xml?ebody=Abstract%2FExcerpt

https://brill.com/view/journals/jjs/12/4/article-p568_3.xml?ebody=full%20html-copy1

https://brill.com/view/journals/jjs/12/4/article-p568_3.xml?ebody=full%20html-copy1#container-130797-item-130820

Page Range:

568-590

ISSN:

22141332

22141324

DOI:

10.1163/22141332-12340010