COURSE DESCRIPTION
International law does not operate in a vacuum, but in a sphere that is shaped and moulded by international politics and relations. The interplay between states is a crucial aspect of international law and as a result, international criminal law. Among others, norm creation, jurisdiction to matters of statehood and sovereignty, international politics and international relations are conduits for the development and sustenance of international criminal law. Thus, it is crucial that candidates are introduced to international politics and international relations to enable them to fully grasps the nuances, complexity and challenges of international criminal justice, especially the need of interstate cooperation.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of this Programme, students will be able to:
- Understand the basic components of international politics and international relations
- Appreciate the intricate external processes that shape international law and comprehend the challenges that the two disciplines pose on international criminal justice.
- Acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to understand the practical challenges that international law practitioners/experts face vis –a-vis in advancing international criminal law
- Enable students to critically assess the interplay between the three disciplines
- Comprehend the complexities of inter-state cooperation in the advancement and enforcement of international law norms.
COURSE CONTENT
- Basic theories and principles of international politics
- Basic theories and principles of international relations
- Law and Politics in a Global Community
- International Cooperation in international Criminal Justice
COMPULSORY READING MATERIALS
- Barker (2000), International law and international relations (Continuum)
- Back, Clark Arend and Vanger-lugt(eds) (1996) International Rules: Approaches from International law and International Relations (Oxford University Press)
- Ganshoff (1970). The Middle Ages: A History of International Relations. Trains Hall: Harper and Row
OPTIONAL READING MATERIALS
- Arend (1998) Do Legal Rules Matter: International Law and International Politics 38 virginia Journal of International Law 107
- Byers (1999). Custom, Power and the power of rules: International Relations and customary International law. Cambridge University Press
- Frank (1988). Legitimacy in the International System 82 American Journal of International Law 705