Synopses & Reviews
This concise book is an introduction to the role of international law in international relations. Written for lawyers and non-lawyers alike, the book first appeared in 1928 and attracted a wide readership. This new edition builds on Brierly's scholarship and his idea that law must serve a social purpose. Previous editions of
The Law of Nations have been the standard introduction to international law for decades, and are widely popular in many different countries due to the simplicity and brevity of the prose style.
Providing a comprehensive overview of international law, this new version of the classic book retains the original qualities and is again essential reading for all those interested in learning what role the law plays in international affairs. The reader will find chapters on traditional and contemporary topics such as: the basis of international obligation, the role of the UN and the International Criminal Court, the emergence of new states, the acquisition of territory, the principles covering national jurisdiction and immunities, the law of treaties, the different ways of settling international disputes, and the rules on resort to force and the prohibition of aggression.
Review
"It's just over 500 pages of text, easy to read in both the style of prose and in the typesetting of the book. You do want a copy of this. You know you do. This would make a great holiday gift for your favorite international lawyer too, and we just can't say that about most law books. Grab a hot cup of tea, build a warm fire, and enjoy some time with a classic text on international law."
--Mark E. Wojcik, International Law Prof Blog
About the Author
Andrew Clapham is Professor of Public International Law at the Graduate Institute of International Studies, Geneva. Before he joined the Graduate Institute of International Studies Institute in 1997, he was the Representative of Amnesty International to the United Nations in New York. His current research relates to the role of non-state actors in international law and related questions in human rights and humanitarian law. Andrew Clapham is the Director of the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights. His publications include
Human Rights: A Very Short Introduction (2007),
Human Rights Obligations of Non-State Actors (2006), and
International Human Rights Lexicon (2005), with Susan Marks.
Table of Contents
Preface To The First Edition
Preface To The Seventh Edition
1. The Origins of International Law
2. The Basis of Obligation In International Law
3. The Legal Organization of International Society
4. States
5. The Territory of States
6. Jurisdiction
7. Treaties
8. International Disputes and the Maintenance of International Peace and Security
9. Resort to Force