The Diplomatic International Legal Framework

The Diplomatic International Legal Framework

Objectives:
After finishing the course, you will be able to:
• Understand the basic principles of international law and sovereignty, its history, how it keeps evolving in shaping international relations and how you can use it in diplomatic affairs.
• Comprehend the workings and functions of the main international institutions, like the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice and the United Nations, that govern international relations.
• Grasp the significance of jurisdiction and diplomatic and State immunity and use this insight in practical cases.

Overview:
An understanding of international law is essential for understanding international affairs. International law governs the relations between States, the role and activities of international organizations, the operation of the international economy, and the interactions between NGO’s, businesses and individuals. The course teaches the student the differences between international law and state-based law. It also provides an insight into the sources and resources of international law. Furthermore, the role that international organizations play in international affairs will be analyzed against the background of major historical events that helped shape the current constellation of States and international organizations. The workings of the various international courts will be the subject of analysis as well as. The organization of the United Nations and the role that its various organs play is also a topic which will be covered in the course. Finally, the course will provide an explanation of diplomatic immunity and jurisdiction. A proper understanding of diplomatic and State immunity, as well as jurisdiction, is indispensable for a modern diplomatic to effectively fulfill his or her role.

Course Code:	GNI1004
Participants:	NGOs, Civil Servants, Policymakers.
Duration:
Evaluation:	Group Work and Final Exam.

Literature

• Henry Kissinger, Diplomacy (Simon & Schuster, 1995);

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