The Kellogg–Briand Pact, or Pact of Paris, emerged from the desire for global peace following World War I. This multilateral treaty was signed on August 27, 1928, by 15 nations including major powers like the United States, France, and the United Kingdom. The initiative was spearheaded by American Secretary of State Frank B. Kellogg and French Foreign Minister Aristide Briand, aiming to outlaw war as an instrument of foreign policy. The widespread negotiations and diplomatic engagement illustrated the global yearning for a peaceful resolution to conflicts after the devastation of the Great War. By renouncing war, these nations hoped to foster international cooperation and stability, paving the way for a more harmonious global community.

Once ratified, the Kellogg–Briand Pact came into effect on July 24, 1929, although the signatory states soon faced challenges in maintaining the spirit of the agreement. The ambitious commitment encountered severe tests, particularly with the rise of aggressive nationalistic ideologies in the 1930s. Subsequent conflicts, such as the invasion of China by Japan and the Nazi expansions in Europe, showcased the inherent limitations of the pact. Despite numerous countries adopting the treaty, the lack of enforcement mechanisms rendered it weak against states that decided to breach its principles. Nonetheless, the Kellogg–Briand Pact marked a significant effort in international jurisprudence, as it laid the foundational concepts for future peace treaties and international law approaches in the years that followed.

The legacy of the Kellogg–Briand Pact is reflected in its influence on the formation of the United Nations and the development of international norms that discourage war. Although it did not prevent subsequent conflicts, the idea of outlawing war inspired future treaties and frameworks aimed at building lasting peace. In the decades that followed, its principles resurfaced in discussions surrounding the establishment of laws governing warfare and the protection of human rights, indicating a continued commitment to global peace ideals despite the challenges.