Brierly's Law of Nations: An Introduction to the Role of International Law in International Relations

by Andrew Clapham

This concise book is an introduction to the role of international law in international relations. Written for lawyers and non-lawyers alike, the book first appeared in 1928 and attracted a wide readership. This new edition builds on Brierly's scholarship and his idea that law must serve a social purpose. Previous editions of The Law of Nations have been the standard introduction to international law for decades, and are widely popular in many differentcountries due to the simplicity and brevity of the prose style.Providing a comprehensive overview of international law, this new version of the classic book retains the original qualities and is again essential reading for all those interested in learning what role the law plays in international affairs. The reader will find chapters on traditional and contemporary topics such the basis of international obligation, the role of the UN and the International Criminal Court, the emergence of new states, the acquisition of territory, the principles coveringnational jurisdiction and immunities, the law of treaties, the different ways of settling international disputes, and the rules on resort to force and the prohibition of aggression.

571 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 9, 2012

About the author

Andrew Clapham is Professor of Public International Law at the Graduate Institute, Geneva and the Director of the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights. He teaches international human rights law and public international law. Prior to coming to the Institute in 1997, he was the Representative of Amnesty International at the United Nations in New York. Andrew Clapham has worked as Special Adviser on Corporate Responsibility to High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, and Adviser on International Humanitarian Law to Sergio Vieira de Mello, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Iraq.

Reviews

[Jonathan Hollis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A readable and informative introduction to the topic.