International Law In The Reagan Years: How Much Of An Outlier

But is there reason to believe that the attitude and behavior of the Reagan administration towards international law have been unusually hostile? That fundamental question will be addressed in several ways. First, one component of President Reagan's foreign policy, aid for the Nicaraguan Contras, will be discussed in some detail. That particular policy has produced perhaps the most sharply drawn, sustained conflict with international law.

Second, a much briefer account will be provided about two other Reagan administration encounters with international law. Finally, an attempt will be made to provide some historical perspective to the 1981- 1988 period.