Considers the role of treaty law, customary international law and peremptory norms, as well as problems of reconciling national sovereignty and international law. Also looks at dispute resolution, the rise of NGOs and who can bring a claim (states only? diaspora peoples? individuals?) and at problems such as secession, law of the sea, use of armed force, refugees and human rights. Asks whether international law is just a form of politics, or whether it has a logic and discipline of its own. Examination or paper option.