International Law

International law is the legal system that governs the international community — a society composed primarily of States, though it also includes other relevant actors such as international organizations and individuals, each with varying degrees of active participation. Today, the international legal system is under significant strain, particularly with regard to some of its foundational principles. This is due to the spread of armed conflicts, widespread and systematic violations, and the open disregard or denial of these principles by key actors within the international community. The objective of the course is to help students understand and internalize the fundamental concepts of this legal system — such as its sources, legal subjects, and the mechanisms of State responsibility. Students will examine how international law functions across various areas of international political and economic relations, develop an understanding of its internal logic, and explore current challenges as well as potential outcomes of the ongoing crisis.

By the end of the course, students will have acquired the basic concepts and will understand the logic of the international legal system. On the basis of the acquired knowledge, they shall be able to apply those concepts and logic to the analysis of specific cases. This objective will be achieved through the direct involvement of students in the analysis of cases decided by the International Court of Justice and other international tribunals, as well as of hypotheticals. This will contribute in strengthening their critical thinking and their ability to communicate orally and in writing, and enable them to solve new problems.