International Law

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In particular since World War II international law has been subject to considerable change, both in scope and in content. The number of State actors has grown as the result of the process of decolonization. A large number of international organizations and institutions have also emerged as subjects of international law. Transnational corporations increasingly constitute an important economic power factor in international relations. The need for international cooperation became progressively evident in order to maintain international peace and security, to promote economic and social development, to safeguard the environment and to uphold human dignity. The course focuses on some of the more traditional issues of international law as well as on some new developments. The topics are: the changing nature and enforceability of international law, sources and subjects of international law, recognition, territory, the law of treaties, the United Nations, human rights, the law of the sea, State responsibility, international environmental law, peaceful settlement of disputes, and the use of force. One session will be in the form of a moot court on an international environmental law case for which students will prepare by writing a (short) memorandum of pleading. Both the paper and the oral pleading are part of the examination.