electiveHQ

Traditionally, public international law was said to concern the legal relations between sovereign equal states. If that description was ever really accurate or adequate, today it is certainly a view of international law under strain. The growing and increasingly complex web of treaty rules establishing regimes to regulate virtually every field of human endeavour – from the oceans to global finance and trade – often also establishing ambitious institutional structures with significant normative power and influence, sees modern international law increasingly penetrate the day-to-day functioning of all sovereign states. The first part of the module seeks to offer an introduction to the nature, sources, subjects and institutional structures of modern international law, discussing foundational principles and doctrines, looking at matters such as the sources, structures and subjects of international law followed by an introduction to jurisdiction and international responsibility. Throughout this part appropriate references will be made to the role on international organisations. The second part of the module will focus on the use of force in international law and humanitarian intervention. The module will conclude with a discussion of the future of international law.