This course is an introduction to international public law, generally understood as the set of rules binding the international conduct of states and non state actors. Until the twentieth century, international law was largely the law of nations, but today it also encompasses the rights and duties of transnational organizations and individuals. Compared to most domestic legal systems, the international legal system is primitive; there is a close interplay between international law and international politics. The student of international law therefore confronts a host of normative and legal ambiguities frustrating perhaps, but this is what makes the subject so interesting. Here we have a legal system still in its early stages of development.

The general objective of this course is to develop the students’ grasp of the foundations of international law, its evolution during the twentieth century, and its role in world affairs today. By the end of the term, the student should be able to: 1. demonstrate mastery of the main contours of international law; 2. identify key historical developments and practices that have shaped the current international legal system; and 3. provide a basic legal analysis of contemporary events and issues in world politics.