NAVIGATING THE HISTORICAL ORIGIN AND CONTEMPORARY RELEVANCE OF INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL LAW

Abstract

This research article examines the historical origin and contemporary relevance of International Commercial Law.  It proposes that international commercial law originated from the medieval lex moratoria, a system of merchant customs and tribunals developed to regulate trade independently of territorial legal systems. It further proposes that these instruments were designed to harmonize divergent national laws and ensure legal certainty in cross-border transactions. In analyzing today’s context, the article contends that international commercial law remains central to regulating global supply chains, digital trade, foreign direct investment, and international arbitration. It proposes that in 2026, its relevance is heightened by challenges including e-commerce governance, trade wars, economic sanctions, and climate-related trade policies. This article adopts a doctrinal and analytical research methodology based on secondary sources. It examines historical texts, treaties, and academic literature to trace the origin of International Commercial Law.