Ransford Advanced Diploma course in Political Ideologies

Francisco de Vitoria (1483-1546) was a Spanish Dominican friar, theologian, and jurist who is considered one of the founders of international law and a key figure in the development of modern political thought. Vitoria is known for his work in the field of "just war" theory and his advocacy for the rights of indigenous peoples. 1. Just War Theory : Vitoria's work on just war theory challenged the prevailing notion that war was always unjust and argued that under certain conditions, such as self-defense or to correct a grave wrong, war could be just. He emphasized the importance of a "just cause" and the use of proportionate force in warfare, ideas that would later influence the development of international law. 2. Rights of Indigenous Peoples : Vitoria is perhaps best known for his defense of the rights of indigenous peoples in the Americas. He argued that indigenous peoples had a natural right to their lands and that their sovereignty should be respected by Eur