The course examines the role of international law and, in particular, international organisations in restoring and maintaining peace and providing mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes (eg arbitration, good offices).

Topics include: the development of legal doctrines, notably state responsibility for international harm and the regulation of the use of force in international law (self-defence, humanitarian intervention, war crimes); the evolution of the United Nations system and its work in the realm of collective security (Somalia, Haiti, Yugoslavia), with particular attention to the United Nations Security Council, and the International Court of Justice.

This course is an exercise in applied international law and politics. The objective of the course is to train students to use international legal materials in analysing inter-state disputes and the role of international organisations in resolving or exacerbating them.

The proposed means of assessment for this course will provide students with the option of undertaking at least two pieces of assessment, including one piece during the semester. 

Details of the final assessment will be provided on the course home page by the first week of semester.

International Law LAWS2250.
Completed or completing five LAWS courses at 1000 level.

Please refer to LAWS2223 course home page