Introduction to Public International Law

In a time when global challenges can only be effectively coped with international cooperation, the study of international law as a framework for such cooperation becomes more and more important. Indeed, in a globalized world, very few areas can be regarded as remaining purely national. This book offers an accurate and reasonably detailed introduction to international law for the interested English-speaking student.

The basic premise underlying this book is that international law should not be studied as a vast collection of detailed rules, but is better approached by asking some questions about the basic structure of the system. First, there is the question of how international law is made: what are its sources? Second, what are the relations of international law and national legal systems? Third, to what entities does international law apply and finally, what does the law actually say? Regarding the last question, this introduction intends to provide a basic description of some of the various branches of international law, such as international human rights law, international humanitarian law, international criminal law, international economic law and international environmental law.

Presenting a succinct and updated account of international law, the second edition of this book will be the ideal introduction for the interested English-speaking student. In addition, anybody interested in the foundation of the international legal order will find the book a useful point of entry to this fascinating field of study.