International Law provides a comprehensive theoretical examination of the key areas of international law. In addition to classic cases and materials, Carlo Focarelli addresses the latest relevant international practice to illustrate contemporary themes and trends in international law and to examine its most topical challenges. The key features of this textbook include: A unitary - 'systemic' and 'realist-constructivist' theoretical illustration of international law, essential to an understanding of how international law works in practice and can, or should be changed A clear logical structure and thorough cross-referencing, for accessible, systemic and consistent learning Up-to-date bibliographies at the end of each chapter and academic commentary on the very latest cases, covering all aspects of international law. Insightful and topical, this textbook will be an invaluable teaching resource for students of law, political science, and international relations. 'Carlo Focarelli's textbook aims to achieve theoretical cohesiveness about international law as a system and yet at the same time emphasises the importance of state practice, not just the practice of courts but also diplomatic practice more widely. What is particularly welcome is the book's aim to familiarise readers outside Italy with international legal thinking and state practice from an important European country that for centuries has been a significant contributor to the discourse of international law. This unique approach reflects well the contemporary trend for studying international law from comparative perspectives and will make the book a valuable read for students interested in international law.' - Lauri Malksoo, University of Tartu, Estonia

International Law provides a comprehensive theoretical examination of the key areas of international law. In addition to classic cases and materials, Carlo Focarelli addresses the latest relevant international practice to illustrate contemporary themes and trends in international law and to examine its most topical challenges. The key features of this textbook include: A unitary - 'systemic' and 'realist-constructivist' theoretical illustration of international law, essential to an understanding of how international law works in practice and can, or should be changed A clear logical structure and thorough cross-referencing, for accessible, systemic and consistent learning Up-to-date bibliographies at the end of each chapter and academic commentary on the very latest cases, covering all aspects of international law. Insightful and topical, this textbook will be an invaluable teaching resource for students of law, political science, and international relations. 'Carlo Focarelli's textbook aims to achieve theoretical cohesiveness about international law as a system and yet at the same time emphasises the importance of state practice, not just the practice of courts but also diplomatic practice more widely. What is particularly welcome is the book's aim to familiarise readers outside Italy with international legal thinking and state practice from an important European country that for centuries has been a significant contributor to the discourse of international law. This unique approach reflects well the contemporary trend for studying international law from comparative perspectives and will make the book a valuable read for students interested in international law.' - Lauri Malksoo, University of Tartu, Estonia

The book distils and articulates international law as a social construct. It does so by analysing its social foundations, essence, and roots in practical and socially workable (as opposed to 'pure') reason. In addition to well-known doctrines of jurisprudence and international law, it draws upon psycho-analytic insights into the origins and nature of law, as well as philosophical social constructivism. The work suggests that seeing law as a social construct is crucial to our understanding of international law and to the struggle to create better working rules. The book re-conceptualizes both past and new doctrines of international law as 'constructs', namely, as strategies of concomitantly de-mythologizing and re-mythologizing international law. Key areas of international law, including subjects, sources, hierarchy, values, and remedies, are shown to be part of this process. The social impact on international law of transnational actors and stakeholders, normative fragmentation, global justice, legitimacy of both rules and players, dynamics and hierarchization of norms, compliance and implementation in municipal law is also extensively investigated. Five basic values of the international community, namely security, humanity, wealth, environment, and knowledge, are explored by stressing their inter- and intra-tensions. Finally, the analysis is extended to the role that international courts play in the prosecution of heads of state and other transnational players who violate international law.