DDRO 25A12 - International Law Theories

This is an introductory course to international legal theory. The course explores the theories of international law, focusing on different schools of thought, movements, and trends in the discipline. From the classical dichotomy between natural law approaches and legal positivism, to more recent critical, global, and interdisciplinary perspectives, the course examines the different lenses through which international legal theory views the world, affecting or reflecting legal practice. While exploring the full spectrum of international legal theories (from classical theories and mainstream views to contemporary approaches and innovative/alternative perspectives), the course revisits the most fundamental themes of international law: questions of legality and legitimacy, questions of universality, neutrality, and justice.

To follow this course, a general knowledge of the basic concepts of international law is welcome and encouraged but not required (e.g. Malcolm N. Shaw, International Law, 10th edn, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2026).

The course will follow a seminar format. All sessions will be interactive, involving class debates.

• 1 written exam in class 50%
• 1 individual written paper on a topic chosen or approved by the instructor 20%
• 1 group presentation on a topic chosen or approved by the instructor 20%
• Student engagement during the semester - Participation in class discussions 10%