GOVT 50.27 International Law
At its core, international law is an idea about how to use the tools of law and legal systems to facilitate peaceful and mutually beneficial relations in the world. It functions differently from domestic legal systems because it lacks a centralized legislature, court, or police force with binding authority to create and enforce standards and rules. Ultimately, international law relies on consent for its effective application. Despite these limitations, most states continue to abide by most international law most of the time, admittedly with very notable exceptions. Does this indicate that international law is a critical global force that shapes state behavior? Or does international law merely reflect what states would do anyway?
This course explores how the international legal system works and how much of an effect international law really has on international politics. It examines the principles, foundations, and institutions of international law, including restraints on the use of force and the emerging focus on human rights. It introduces aspects of the method and substance of international law, such as concepts like customary international law, general principles of international law, and jus cogens, principles of jurisdiction and immunity, and mechanisms for and challenges to enforcement. We cover legal subjects to understand how politics and law interact in shaping international relations today.
Department-Specific Course Categories
Government