Written by one of the world's leading international lawyers, this is a landmark publication in the teaching of international law. International law can be defined as 'the rules governing the legal relationship between nations and states', but in reality it is much more complex, with political, diplomatic and socio-economic factors shaping the law and its application. This refreshingly clear, concise textbook encourages students to view international law as a dynamic system of organizing the world. Bringing international law back to its first principles, the book is organised around four questions: where does it come from? To whom does it apply? How does it resolve conflict? What does it say? Building on these questions with both academic rigour and clarity of expression, Professor Klabbers breathes life and energy into the subject. Footnotes point students to the wider academic debate while chapter introductions and final remarks reinforce learning.

'This textbook not only provides a source of knowledge but also a source of critical thinking which captivates the reader’s attention. Every person dealing with international law should read Professor Klabbers’ International Law: its case law discussion and fascinating analysis of international law principles provides a powerful tool when teaching the international legal order.'

Elena Katselli - Newcastle Law School

'This is a refreshing addition to the long list of textbooks on international law. It comprehensively discussed all the fields of international law that a reader of an introductory textbook will be interested in. Yet, it does much more, by explaining why often impossible to identify a single right answer to any legal question and by placing international law in a broader context of global governance, politics and ethics. Written in Klabbers’ characteristic lucid and critical style, this is a book that many readers will enjoy reading, rather than just studying.'

André Nollkaemper - University of Amsterdam

'… an interesting addition to the field of International Law textbooks. It offers a good introduction to the more theoretical approaches to international law, and is written in an easily accessible style.'

Carrie Elizabeth Fox Source: Aberystwyth University Law and Criminology Student Journal