- This book highlights the centenary of the Peace Palace in all of its facets. Unlike in 1913, in 2013 the world is not in an idealistic mood. Differences between countries have partly given way to complex conflicts within national borders, and with international dimensions. This book examines the existence and the legitimacy of the Peace Palace with an open, inquiring gaze. New historical research describes in detail how this icon of international law, and the institutions that it houses, have survived the past century, with all of their bruises and successes. Major authors from different continents have written personal contributions, an extensive photo series shows what happens inside the walls of the Peace Palace over the course of a year. Historian Johan Joor delves deep into the history of the building and its institutions. International lawyer/journalist Heikelina Verrijn Stuart takes the reader inside and discusses the image and self-image of the institutions in the Peace Palace, on the basis of personal observations in an essay titled The Palace of the Four Winds . This is a fascinating insight into a specialized world that is seen as closed off, but that increasingly recognizes the interests of everyone. A microcosm with a global perspective, where work is done with great dedication and commitment to promote and maintain peace in the world via the dispassionate means of law.