International Law at the Naval War College The study of international law has historically been crucial to the courses and instruction at the Naval War College, and has proved indispensable in complementing the institution's focus on military operations and
international relations. Initially, the Naval War College focused on four primary areas relating to international law. First, the college prioritizes the instruction of resident students in international law through seminars, research work and discussion of case studies. Secondly, the college has been closely involved with the “Blue Book Series of International Law Situations and Notes” which was first published in 1894. Charles Stockton joined the Navy during the Civil War, and was inducted in the Naval Academy class of 1865 where he was awarded the
Civil War medal. During his time in the Navy, Stockton observed multiple instances which demonstrated the significance of international law in naval operations, and the urgent need for naval officers to undertake a study of the practical applications of international law. In the late 1980s, support for the Naval War College as an educational institution declined, given its heavy focus on history, theory and case studies. It was around this time that the Congress authorized the construction of the new building of the college at
Coaster's Harbor Island, which occurred under the supervision of Charles Stockton. Stockton recognized the importance and practical utility of international law to the day-to-day operations of the Navy, in addition to subjects such as
naval history, strategy and tactics. Under Stockton, the international law course focused primarily on
case studies and hypothetical situations that a naval officer may encounter, and considered not only the legal but also the political and ethical considerations of the various approaches to such situations. These situations that Stockton created and published eventually transformed into the Blue Book Series. == Organization ==