The Politics of International Law

Catalog description

This course provides an introduction to international law. It addresses questions such as: What is international law? What are the major sources? Who makes international law and how? Who is bound by it? What is its impact in different issue-areas? And why do states and other actors usually obey international law even though there is not a world government or police force to enforce it. The course also explores the content and effect of international law in different issue-areas, including human rights, the environment, and the use of military force. Students will also gain a practical overview to the United Nations system, including the Security Council, General Assembly, Secretariat, International Court of Justice, and several specialized agencies, such as UNICEF and UNDP.