“The Main Reason for Oppressive Militarism”: L.A. Kamarovsky on the Alsace-Lorraine Question

Abstract. The article analyzes the views of the famous legal scholar, active supporter of universal peace and moderate pacifist L.A. Kamarovsky on the Alsace-Lorraine issue. In his opinion, the strained relations between Germany and France due to the loss of two provinces as a result of the Frankfurt Peace (1871) represented a complex and long-lasting conflict, the resolution of which required a special approach and common
efforts of all interested parties. Kamarovsky saw the unresolved Alsace-Lorraine issue as an important reason for the growth of military and political tensions in Europe, the widespread increase in militarism, as well as a serious obstacle to the process of disarmament and European integration. Kamarovsky’s scientific and journalistic legacy aroused interest among Soviet authors, but the first serious studies devoted to him
appeared only in the post-Soviet period. The existing literature is mainly focused on the study of the scientist’s contribution to the codification of international law and certain aspects of his anti-war activities. Unfortunately, Kamarovsky’s views on the solution of international conflicts that were relevant in his time were practically not considered by modern researchers. The purpose of this work is a comprehensive analysis of Kamarovsky’s views on the settlement of the Alsace-Lorraine issue. The content of various conflict resolution options proposed by the scientist is revealed, general principles and approaches to its settlement are revealed.

Keywords: L.A. Kamarovsky, Alsace-Lorraine question, war, peace, Hague Peace Conference, disarmament, international organization.