Measure for Measure: Alberico Gentili, International Law, and the Reason of State

In humanist political theory, the concept of reason of state mostly described a course of action that did not follow the usual criteria of law (iustum), but rather what was useful (utile). Nonetheless, a broader understanding of the reason of state considered a community's core values. Such common interests (ius status or ragion di stato) could be contrasted with, and balanced against, those of the international community (ius gentium or ragione delle genti). According to the latter view the reason of state did not abolish the rule of law but laid down the conditions for its application. It was not the expression of immoral politics. Rather, it indicated good state governance in order to preserve public safety (mantenere o conservare lo Stato). The article investigates the evolution of the concept of reason of state in humanist political theory and how Alberico Gentili (1552-1608), a religious refugee and Regius Professor at the University of Oxford, transplanted it from political theory into the law of nations.