ETHR220 – The Role of Law in International Politics
While politics and law are deeply intertwined both in domestic and international affairs, scholars and practitioners often argue that the law is not a significant restraint on independent and sovereign states.
This course looks at the interplay between international law and international relations by exploring the historical evolution, philosophical nature, and practical function of international law in world politics. By situating international law in its historical, philosophical and political contexts, the course assesses its strengths as well as its areas of weakness. In doing so, we will consider the relationship between politics, ethics, and the law on issues as diverse as the use of force, war crimes, human rights, and the environment, among others.
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Reflect on the meaning of international law;
- Situate the role of law in international politics;
- Understand the differences between domestic and international law;
- Decide whether an international legal system does exist;
- Comment on the legitimacy and efficiency of this international legal system;
- Debate whether the world’s people can contribute to make international law;
- Understand the ethical consequences of the international legal process;
- Assess the key theoretical approaches to international law;
- Explore the practical implications for contemporary legal issues;
- Assess the moral and legal implications of foreign policy decisions.