Book: On International Peace and Arbitration

Overview
Fredrik Bajer frames the pursuit of international peace as both a moral imperative and a practicable policy. Written against a backdrop of rising nationalism and expanding military capabilities, the book argues that disputes between states need not be resolved by force but can be settled through reasoned negotiation and binding arbitration. Bajer presents peace not as passive avoidance of conflict but as an active set of institutions, laws, and civic practices that make war less likely and peaceful settlement more accessible.
The text combines philosophical reflection with concrete institutional proposals. It treats arbitration as a systematic alternative to war, rooted in the rule of law, mutual respect among nations, and the increasing interdependence of states through commerce and diplomacy. Bajer positions arbitration as both a moral good and a practical mechanism capable of preventing the human and economic costs of armed conflict.

Central Arguments
A foundational claim is that legal and diplomatic procedures can, and should, displace military force as the primary means of resolving international disputes. Bajer stresses the equality of nations in law, insisting that smaller states deserve the same procedural protections as great powers. He argues that recourse to arbitration affirms the dignity of all parties and channels rivalry into institutional processes rather than into violence.
Public opinion and civil society receive considerable attention. Bajer underscores the role of legislatures, the press, and citizen movements in pressuring governments to choose negotiation over aggression. He contends that democratically accountable institutions will more readily accept arbitration if electorates are informed and mobilized for peace. In this way, the domestic politics of nations become a vital component of international stability.

Practical Proposals
Bajer recommends concrete mechanisms to make arbitration routine and reliable. He advocates for treaties that include compulsory arbitration clauses, the creation of neutral tribunals or permanent arbitration bodies, and agreed procedures for appointing impartial arbitrators. He urges the codification of rules governing evidence, procedure, and enforcement to avoid arbitrariness and to build confidence in outcomes.
Beyond legal structures, Bajer calls for diplomatic practices that favor negotiation and mediation. He supports international congresses for dispute resolution, exchange of envoys dedicated to mediation, and systems of joint inquiry to clarify facts before taking adversarial steps. He also proposes gradual disarmament measures and confidence-building practices that reduce the incentives for resorting to force.

Rhetoric and Style
The book balances moral appeal with pragmatic argumentation. Bajer writes with clarity and a persuasive moral tone, aiming to reach both activists and policymakers. He draws on contemporary diplomatic precedents and legal developments to show that arbitration is not utopian but already working in varied contexts; these references serve to ground principles in realpolitik while keeping the language accessible to non-specialists.
His style is reasoned rather than doctrinaire, combining ethical conviction with attention to political constraints. The argumentation anticipates common objections, such as concerns about impartiality or enforcement, and offers institutional safeguards and diplomatic practices as remedies.

Legacy and Influence
Bajer's advocacy contributed to the broader peace movement that pushed for institutionalized international dispute resolution in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The emphasis on permanent tribunals, compulsory arbitration clauses, and the mobilization of public opinion helped shape debates that led to international forums for arbitration and eventually to multinational legal institutions. His work sustained the claim that law and public reason can curb the recourse to war and left a persuasive blueprint for later developments in international law and multilateral diplomacy.