Hugo Grotius was a Dutch writer and philosopher born in 1583, known for his significant contributions to international law and political theory. He is often referred to as the "father of international law" for his work in establishing principles that govern the relations between states. His most famous book, De Jure Belli ac Pacis (On the Law of War and Peace), laid the groundwork for modern legal frameworks regarding war and peace. Grotius was also a prominent figure in the Renaissance and the Dutch Golden Age, a period marked by great cultural and intellectual achievements in the Netherlands. His ideas influenced many later thinkers, including John Locke and Immanuel Kant, and continue to be relevant in discussions about human rights and global governance today.