Modern International Law An Introduction to the Law of Nations

Summary: In the fall of 1998 an acquaintance with Prentice-Hall visited and inquired about my writing schedule. As we talked, the idea evolved that I might write a textbook in my primary field of interest--public international law. In over two decades of teaching the subject at two universities I had often wondered why I did not write a textbook. Colleagues have been kind enough to encourage me, and students offered their sup...port. I soon found, however, that the project was like climbing a mountain. What began as a relatively straightforward endeavor soon proved to be a most demanding task. Now one understands why there are comparatively few textbooks in the field; the material is sometimes overwhelming. I have responded by trying to identify themes and developing these against a background of historical and legal examples. International law reflects the emergence of a post-Westphalian system based less on realpolitik and the balance of power and more on collaborative efforts to cope with such problems as political violence, environmental decay, and transnational criminality which threaten the existence of a world order. The discussion begins in the traditional mode with the international legal theories of John Marshall and John Austin and evolves into an analysis of an interdependent international system based on law and organization. Transition to a new style of international politics is the theme. James Wolfe Hattiesburg, Mississippi [read more]