“Don’t kill diplomats you have summoned to negotiate” is, by far, the most ancient principle of international law. At times it was probably the only principle of international law.
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When the Spartans executed diplomats who came demanding earth and water as a sign of submission, the young noblemen Bulis and Sperthias traveled to Susa to offer themselves for execution in atonement. Xerxes:
sep 9, 2025, 6:44 pm • 17 0 • view
can think of even despicable and short-sighted 18th-century British officials who would assassinate their own political rivals but would not even think to shoot at another country's negotiators
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arguable that it predates the literal concept of law
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Chinggis Khan would like a word, as would Muhammad II of Khwarazamian kingdom
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The which kingdom? Exactly.
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It has been observed literally since time immemorial
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In fact it's even respected by Salafi jihadist groups.
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