Contemporary Issues of International Law

Course content

This course examines contemporary issues in international law by focusing on how international courts and legal processes operate within global politics. Students are introduced to major international courts and tribunals?such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ), ITLOS, international criminal courts, and regional human rights courts?and explore what these institutions do and why states and non-state actors use them. Rather than focusing only on disputes between states, the course also considers how individuals and groups use litigation at the international level. Throughout the semester, discussions are based on selected historical and contemporary cases. These cases touch upon key themes on genocide, self-determination, delimitation of maritime boundaries, human rights, environment, and gender-based persecution. By engaging with recent and ongoing cases?such as climate change litigation, arrest warrants in relation to Ukraine and Gaza, and debates on gender-based persecution in Afghanistan?the course enables students to connect international law with recent discussions.