This textbook offers for the first time a comprehensive analysis of the classic doctrines and main areas of international law from a European perspective, meeting the needs of the many European law schools teaching public international law in English. Special attention is devoted to the practice of the European Union, the Council of Europe and European States – both civil law and common law countries – with regard to international law. In particular the book analyses the interplay between international law, EU law and national law in the case law of the Court of Justice of the EU, the European Court of Human Rights and national jurisdictions in Europe. It provides the reader with insights into how the international legal practice of the EU and its Member States impacts the development of international law, both in terms of doctrines such as treaty-making and customary law, the exercise of (extraterritorial) jurisdiction, state responsibility and the settlement of disputes, as well as particular sub-fields of international law, such as human rights law and international economic law. In addition the book covers other important areas such as the use of force and collective security, the law of armed conflict, and global and regional international organisations. It provides European perspectives on all these issues and will be of great value to students, scholars and practitioners.

Table Of Contents

Introduction: International Law, A European Perspective 

1. Foundations, History and Theory of International Law 

2. Sources: Treaty Law 

3. Other Sources – Hierarchy 

4. The Relationship and Interactions between International Law, EU Law and National Law 

5. States 

6. International Organisations 

7. Regional Organisations 

8. Non-State Actors 

9. Jurisdiction 

10. Diplomatic and Consular Relations 

11. Immunities 

12. International Responsibility 

13. Peaceful Settlement of Disputes 

14. Use of Force and Collective Security 

15. The Law of Armed Conflict 

16. Human Rights Law 

17. International Criminal Law 

18. Law of the Sea and Global Commons 

19. International Economic Law 

20. International Environmental Law