Course Title：Politics of International Law

This course offers an undergraduate-level introduction to the politics of international law, with particular focus on dispute settlement in the World Trade Organization, Investor-State Dispute Settlement, the International Criminal Court, and the European Court of Justice. It will also offer a special discussion of the United States of America and international law. At the end of the course, students will understand the ways that states, international organizations, businesses, and private individuals make use of international law to resolve disputes and enforce treaty obligations. Students will understand both the strengths and limits of dispute settlement in contemporary international law, as well as the challenges involved in any future ‘strengthening’ of the World Trade Organization and other international institutions. It should be of particular interest to students who are interested in contemporary world politics, in international relations or political science, and in legal studies, as well as those interested in careers in diplomacy. This course does not require any prior knowledge of international law or international relations. The course will be offered either as a lecture or seminar course depending on student numbers. Assessment will be based on attendance and participation in discussion, and on a final exam involving definitions and essays.