Greek Independence and Its Significance to the Development of International Law

The Greek Revolution was both a pivotal moment for the development of modern liberal democracy, as well as for wider international dialogue on law, intervention, and self-determination. Ultimately, originated from these dialogues, this chapter reflects on the profoundness of the Greek War of Independence and its significant role in the development of international law. To do this, an interrogation is conducted of the nineteenth century’s emergence of nation states from the remnants of empires, as well as the rise of the idea of self-determination. This then lends itself to the discussion of the historical antecedents of contemporary justifications for international interventions in internal conflicts, using the Greek War of Independence as a case study. Finally, this reflection is tied together and closed by a reminiscence of the legacies left by the Revolution.