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Hugo Grotius (1583–1645) compiled the study Mare liberum as an advocate of Dutch interests in international diplomatic negotiations, the aim of which was to provide arguments to weaken the Spanish position and confront the arrogant pursuit of a monopoly on seafaring and trade on the part of Portugal in the area of so-called East Indies. Grotius argues in favour of a right of all nations to free sailing and trade on free seas – that is, for the sharing of all things given by God and also nature for the use of all people. The text is published in a translation with commentary by Václav Marek.