Course | Columbia Law School

This course presents the basic materials of international law, but a major purpose is the analysis of an international law in evolution in a rapidly changing international society. The course is concerned with the reality of international law in international affairs; the changes in international law that have occurred through the United Nations; the accession of many developing countries to the family of nations; the extension of international law to economic development and human rights; and, most recently, the end of the Cold War and the consequent changes in the structure of international society. In these and other matters, attention is given to problems faced by practitioners and governments and to practical ways of dealing with disputes.

The course explores in particular the nature and sources of international law, the application of international law in domestic courts, the recognition of states and governments, territorial disputes, the law of the sea, jurisdiction, state responsibility for the treatment of aliens and foreign investment, the law of treaties, human rights, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and the use of armed force. Special attention is given to the role of the United Nations and the International Court of Justice, and to such contemporary cases and controversies as the Persian Gulf conflict.