International Law Treatises
How Nations Behave: Law and Foreign Policy
Louis Henkin
Classic exploration of international law as both distinct from international relations as well as operating inevitably within that political context. Still “It is probably the case that almost all nations observe almost all principles of international law and almost all of their obligations almost all of the time.” (p. 47).
International Law and U.S. Foreign Policy
Carl Q. Christol
Presents an outline of the relationship between international law, especially the United Nations Charter, and recent United States foreign policy.
International Law as Law of the United States
Jordan J. Paust
Explains and addresses uniquely American issues and Constitutional perspectives relating to international law up to its date of publication.
International Legal Research in a Nutshell
Marci B. Hoffman, Robert C. Berring
Excellent outline of sources and approaches to researching international law.
Modern Treaty Law and Practice
Anthony Aust
The law of treaties is covered in extensive commentaries on the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, but this work includes a more concise yet thorough analysis of the issues as well as broader material, ranging from the history of diplomacy, to the effects of changed circumstances, and also includes memoranda of understanding.
Oppenheim's International Law
Jennings, R. Y. and Arthur Watts, eds.
Professor Mark Janis writes: “The most important English-language international law treatise spanning the twentieth century is Lassa Oppenheim's International Law: A Treatise that was first published in two volumes (on Peace and War & Neutrality) in 1905 and1906. Oppenheim also prepared two volumes for the second edition of 1912. When Oppenheim died in 1919, he had completed much of the work for another.” (The first volume on “Peace” is an updated and revised version of the classic. Second and third volumes are planned. For the original scheme of Prof. Oppenheim, look at the 7th edition).
The Power and Purpose of International Law: Insights from the Theory and Practice of Enforcement
Mary Ellen O'Connell
Provides both a review and a demonstration of the enforcement of international law, supporting the view that its norms actually bring about consensus in many areas where crucial issues require resolution, such as the environment and human rights.
Principles of International Law 2d
Sean D. Murphy
A valuable balancing of substantive content with thorough treatment, including a clear outline of the subject matter and treatment of leading cases as well as major concepts. The second edition provides a comprehensive survey of public international law.
Principles of Public International Law
Ian Brownlie
Starting his outline with the sources of international legal authority as outlined in Article 38 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice (treaties, tribunal decisions, etc.), Professor Brownlie goes on to integrate this scholarly treatment with more detail on the traditional subtopics such as recognition of states, sovereignty, state responsibility, protection of individuals and groups, and the common heritage of the sea and the environment.
Public International Law in a Nutshell
Thomas Buergenthal
Useful and concise introduction to the outline of public international law, which is accessible and yet authoritative.
Restatement of the Law (Third) The Foreign Relations Law of the United States.
This is the most authoritative statement of the United States’ approach to international law and diplomacy outside of the official set of digests and functions as a multivolume treatise.
Restatement of the Law (Third) The Foreign Relations Law of the United States.
This is the most authoritative statement of the United States’ approach to international law and diplomacy outside of the official set of digests and functions as a multivolume treatise.
The International Law Commission, 1949-1998
Arthur Watts
These volumes contain the International Law Commission's completed work over the past fifty years. The introductory notes provides an overview of the International Law Commission and its role in international law. Volumes 1-2 contain treaties. Volume 3 covers final draft articles not yet resulting in the conclusion of a treaty and other reports. Volume 4 holds treaties, final draft articles, and other materials.
The Vienna Conventions on the Law of Treaties: A Commentary
Olivier Corten & Pierre Klein eds
An excellent resource to understand the Vienna Conventions on the Law of Treaties. This treatise provides insightful commentary on the formation of the treaties as well as explanatory commentary and interpretations. The volumes also include the travaux preparatoires of the treaties.
Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties: A Commentary
Oliver Dorr & Kirsten Schmalenbach eds
This treatise provides in-depth article-by-article analysis of all the provisions of the Vienna Convention. Furthermore, the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties: a Commentary, analyzes the laws of treaties in the international context and is directed toward both academia and practitioners.
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