Principles of International Law, 8th edition

Principles of International Law is a clear, succinct and accessible guide to the cardinal concepts of public international law by covering its structure, systematic requirements and major substantive topics. Each chapter contains a clear statement of objectives, a list of key instruments, a lucid statement of the law, original analysis and commentary, extracts from treaties and other legal instruments, and helpful case discussion. Problem questions with suggested responses, further discussion questions and an appendix of basic documents are included. The volume provides clear guidance to scholars, legal practitioners and students of law or international relations seeking to improve their knowledge and to extend their understanding of this important subject. 

The eighth edition is updated and revised to incorporate the most recent developments in international law across a wide range of areas, including:

• Land and Maritime Delimitation and Sovereignty Over Islands (Gabon v Equatorial Guinea), Judgment, 19 May 2025 (ICJ).

• Arbitral Award of 3 October 1899 (Guyana v Venezuela), Preliminary Objection, Judgment, ICJ Rep (2023) 262.

• Legal Consequences Arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem advisory opinion, ICJ Rep (2024) 753

• Obligations of States in Respect of Climate Change advisory opinion, 23 July 2025 (ICJ)

• Armed Activities on the Territory of the Congo (Democratic Republic of the Congo v Uganda), Reparations, Judgment, ICJ Rep (2022)

• Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (The Gambia v Myanmar), Preliminary Objections, Judgment, ICJ Rep (2022) 477

• Certain Iranian Assets (Iran v United States), Judgment, ICJ Rep (2023) 51

• The ‘Enrica Lexie’ Incident (Italy v India), Award, PCA Case No 2015-28, 60 ILM 118 (2021)

• ILC, Draft Articles on Immunity of State Officials from Foreign Criminal Jurisdiction

• Application of the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism and of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Ukraine v Russia), Judgment, ICJ Rep (2024) 78

• Application of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Azerbaijan v Armenia), Preliminary Objections, Judgment, 12 November 2024 (ICJ)

• Verein KlimaSeniorinnen Schweiz v Switzerland [2024] ECtHR 53600/20

• Alleged Violations of Sovereign Rights and Maritime Spaces in the Caribbean Sea (Nicaragua v Colombia), Judgment, ICJ Rep (2022) 266

• Question of the Delimitation of the Continental Shelf between Nicaragua and Colombia beyond 200 Nautical Miles from the Nicaraguan Coast (Nicaragua v Colombia), Judgment, ICJ Rep (2023) 413

Features

• Clear, accessible discussion of international law key principles

• Covers all key topics

• Extensive pedagogic features enhance learning outcomes

• Includes selected primary source documents

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