Utrecht, Netherlands

Introduction to Public International Law

The Public International Law course will look at the role of international law in responding to today's global challenges. Together, we will examine the nature and function of international law, its sources and subjects, international dispute settlement, questions of jurisdiction and immunities, state responsibility, as well as international security law.

This Summer School will investigate the role of public international law in dealing with global challenges. Public international law is the branch of law that regulates the relationship between the actors operating at the international level, including States, international organisations, peoples, and individuals. We will link the general theory and doctrines of public international law to present-day challenges of global interest. By critically reflecting on the role of international law in responding today’s global challenges, the Public International Law course aims to introduce the participants to the most important tenets of international law. These include the nature and function of international law and its role in global politics. We will analyse the relationship between international law and international relations. What influence does international law have in the tough world of politics and power? We will introduce the participants to the sources of international law: treaties, customary international law, and general principles. We will also identify the subjects of the international legal order: States, international organisations, peoples, individuals, armed groups, and others. We will look at questions of jurisdiction and immunities. We will also look at issues of international responsibility.

This course will be taught in an online setting. We will use Microsoft Teams.

Course leader

Prof. dr. Cedric Ryngaert

Fee info

EUR 600: Course + course materials
EUR 200: Housing fee (optional)