International Organizations and Multilateral Diplomacy
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course is based on the knowledge of international law acquired during the first year and further analyses the legal framework of the multilateral international cooperation between States, its regulations and institutions. The aim is for students to understand, also in a legal perspective, the roles and limits of action of international organisations in current international relations, as well as the diplomatic tools employed by States.
To this end, students' active participation in classroom activities is essential for the development of their critical thinking skills and for their independent study and research in the legal field. Such skills are also useful to further their studies with a view to working in international organisations or in public administrations interacting with them.
To this end, students' active participation in classroom activities is essential for the development of their critical thinking skills and for their independent study and research in the legal field. Such skills are also useful to further their studies with a view to working in international organisations or in public administrations interacting with them.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students are expected to know the principles at the basis of the legal framework regulating the action of international organisations. Moreover, they should be able to identify and apply the relevant regulations regarding any aspect of the functioning of such organisations, also with reference to real-life cases, and to clearly explain the different orientations and related applications by using an appropriate language.
Through the research and analysis of legal sources and case studies, and debate on controversial issues proposed in the class, students will develop: the ability to make critical judgements with regard to the efficacy of legal solutions that lead to institutionalised multilateralism; the ability to use the legal terminology; the ability to study the subject on their own with a view to their future studies or careers.
Through the research and analysis of legal sources and case studies, and debate on controversial issues proposed in the class, students will develop: the ability to make critical judgements with regard to the efficacy of legal solutions that lead to institutionalised multilateralism; the ability to use the legal terminology; the ability to study the subject on their own with a view to their future studies or careers.
Lesson period: Second trimester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second trimester
Course syllabus
Unit 1) Law of International Organizations
The concept of an international organization - Membership status and the social relationship among members - The immunities and privileges of international organizations and their officials - The financing of international organizations - The structure and functioning of international organizations - The legal personality of international organizations - The international responsibility of international organizations - The legal order of international organizations.
Unit 2) The United Nations
Introductory overview - Issues related to membership - The organs and their functioning, with particular attention to the General Assembly, the Secretariat, and the Security Council - The functions of the United Nations and their limitations - Acts of the United Nations - The responsibility of the United Nations.
Unit 3) Other Forms of Multilateral Cooperation
Multilateral cooperation in the health sector (WHO) - Multilateral cooperation in the educational, scientific, and cultural fields (UNESCO) - Multilateral cooperation in tourism (UN Tourism) - Multilateral cooperation in the economic field (WTO) - Forms of non-institutionalized multilateral diplomacy.
The concept of an international organization - Membership status and the social relationship among members - The immunities and privileges of international organizations and their officials - The financing of international organizations - The structure and functioning of international organizations - The legal personality of international organizations - The international responsibility of international organizations - The legal order of international organizations.
Unit 2) The United Nations
Introductory overview - Issues related to membership - The organs and their functioning, with particular attention to the General Assembly, the Secretariat, and the Security Council - The functions of the United Nations and their limitations - Acts of the United Nations - The responsibility of the United Nations.
Unit 3) Other Forms of Multilateral Cooperation
Multilateral cooperation in the health sector (WHO) - Multilateral cooperation in the educational, scientific, and cultural fields (UNESCO) - Multilateral cooperation in tourism (UN Tourism) - Multilateral cooperation in the economic field (WTO) - Forms of non-institutionalized multilateral diplomacy.
Prerequisites for admission
The course is intended for students who are already familiar with the fundamental concepts of law, particularly international law.
The International Law exam is therefore a prerequisite for the exam in International Organizations and Multilateral Diplomacy.
Anyone wishing to strengthen their prior knowledge before attending the course on International Organizations and Multilateral Diplomacy may find it useful to review the syllabus of the International Law course using the study materials indicated for that course.
The International Law exam is therefore a prerequisite for the exam in International Organizations and Multilateral Diplomacy.
Anyone wishing to strengthen their prior knowledge before attending the course on International Organizations and Multilateral Diplomacy may find it useful to review the syllabus of the International Law course using the study materials indicated for that course.
Teaching methods
Lectures (with PowerPoint presentations). Analysis and discussion of practical cases. Active student participation.
Teaching Resources
Law of International Organizations:
· Ugo Draetta, Principi di diritto delle organizzazioni internazionali, Giuffrè, 5th ed. 2024, ISBN 9788828858638, pp. 1-263 (the entire textbook); it is also possible to use the previous (4th) edition from 2020.
The United Nations:
· Benedetto Conforti, Carlo Focarelli, Le Nazioni Unite, CEDAM-Wolters Kluwer, 2023, ISBN 9788813383503, limited to the following sections: 1-37, 42-75, 84-85, 88-99.
Lecture notes.
Additional materials (primary sources, such as case law or legal texts) will be made available through the course website.
· Ugo Draetta, Principi di diritto delle organizzazioni internazionali, Giuffrè, 5th ed. 2024, ISBN 9788828858638, pp. 1-263 (the entire textbook); it is also possible to use the previous (4th) edition from 2020.
The United Nations:
· Benedetto Conforti, Carlo Focarelli, Le Nazioni Unite, CEDAM-Wolters Kluwer, 2023, ISBN 9788813383503, limited to the following sections: 1-37, 42-75, 84-85, 88-99.
Lecture notes.
Additional materials (primary sources, such as case law or legal texts) will be made available through the course website.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam is written and consists of both multiple-choice and open-ended questions.
Professor(s)
Reception:
To set up an appointment, please write an e-mail to: [email protected]