DDRO 25A90 - International Law & Global Politics

This course offers a critical understanding of the relationship between international law and global politics, with a particular emphasis on political globalization. While the prominence of nation-states appears to be waning, political globalization is characterized by the rising influence of intergovernmental organizations and global civil society actors, such as international NGOs and social movement organizations.

As key concepts of global politics such as power, equality, sustainability, and peace come under increasing strain, the seminar raises a timely question: does international law still matter? In an era of rising multipolarity, great-power competition, and recurring violations of fundamental legal norms, its relevance and effectiveness as a tool of global governance deserves scrutiny. The seminar will therefore examine whether and how international law retains the capacity to constrain state behavior and shape world order, drawing on theoretical foundations, key actors, sources of law, and contemporary case studies.

No specific knowledge in international law is required for this seminar.

Each session will include a presentation by the teacher, students’ “exposés”, and interactive discussions on the session’s reading(s) and concepts.

• “Exposé” or “Case Study” – total 40%

o 15-minute oral presentation (in group)

o 3000-word research paper (in group)

• “Midterm exam” (individual) 30%
• “Weekly Quiz on Key Concepts (individual) 20%
• Oral participation 10%