An Introduction to Public International Law

Written for students working in a range of disciplines, this textbook provides an accessible, balanced, and nuanced introduction to the field of public international law. It offers the basic concepts and legal frameworks of public international law while acknowledging the field's inherent complexities and controversies. Featuring numerous carefully chosen and clearly explained examples, it demonstrates how the law applies in practice, and public international law's pervasive influence on world affairs. Aiming not to over-emphasize any particular domestic jurisprudence or research interest, this textbook offers a global overview of public international law that will be highly valuable to any student new to the study of this very significant field. The 2nd edition has been updated to address the latest developments in the field. It includes new and current examples and cases in key areas, such as human rights law, criminal law, humanitarian law, and environmental law.

Cecily Rose is an assistant professor of Public International Law at the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies of Leiden University. She is currently a member the Dutch Advisory Committee on Public International Law (Commissie van advies inzake volkenrechtelijke vraagstukken (CAVV)). She is also a member (arbitrator) of the Award Review and Debarment Board of the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA).

Niels Blokker is Professor Emeritus of International Institutional Law (Schermers Chair) at the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies of Leiden University. He previously worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands as a Senior Legal Counsel and Deputy Legal Adviser.

Daniëlla Dam-de Jong is professor of international sustainable development law and director of the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies of Leiden University.

Simone van den Driest is senior legislative adviser in the Advisory Division of the Council of State of the Netherlands. She was previously assistant professor of Public International Law at the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies of Leiden University.

Robert Heinsch is associate professor of Public International Law at the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies, and the Director of its Kalshoven-Gieskes Forum on International Humanitarian Law at Leiden University.