國際法是為文明國家所共同遵循的行為準則。台灣因為國民黨對外堅持之正統性所造成台灣之邊緣化,使她幾乎無法以主體身分參與之國際造法活動,包括草擬、議定條約,或以實際行動創設國際習慣等具拘束力之規範,甚至只是實踐現存之主流國際規範的紀錄,也都屈指可數。台灣失去了構建一套具有主體意識,從國際法主體、國際法之形構與運用、領土、外交領事關係、主權管轄、國家責任、到國際組織,都能表達台灣作為一個文明國家之立場與態度的國際法學之機會。所幸有彭明敏教授的著述、演講萌發我們重啟台灣國際法學研究之門的思維。彭明敏教授以個人的學術與實踐,樹立了承繼建立文明國家理想的典範,並刻製了讓所有在台灣從事國際法學之教學與研究者能時時藉以自捫的木鐸。我們藉由彭明敏教授的啟發,重建台灣的國際法意識,或許成為文明國家這個目標對於台灣來說,將不再會是一個遙不可及的夢想。
International law regulates behaviors among nations. After coming to Taiwan with the loss of the Chinese civil war, the KMT's insistence in holding the only Chinese government status impeded the opportunity for Taiwan to develop normal and appropriate international identity and the studies of international law as an academic discipline. Fortunately, Dr. Peng Ming-min was dedicated to be pioneer in the field of international law in Taiwan. His publications also received considerable international attention and distinguished him as a remarkable scholar in international law. Dr. Peng's lifetime goal is not only to foster the studies of international law, but also to lead the path for Taiwan's advancement to a civilized state. His efforts inspired numerous people to pursue once impossible dream to make Taiwan an independent and dignified state.