Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes

As shown in the South China Sea disputes, international disputes significantly affect international relations. Since our epoque can be characterized by international disputes, the settlement of these disputes is of central importance. In fact, the settlement of international disputes occupies the central place in public international law. Against that background, this course aims to examine the various means and institutions for the peaceful settlement of international disputes between States in international law.

Specifically it will address:

(i) preliminary issues (the concept of international disputes and typology of dispute settlement means, etc),

(ii) diplomatic means (negotiation, good offices, mediation, inquiry and conciliation),

(iii) dispute settlement through the United Nations,

(iv) inter-State arbitration,

(v) the International Court of Justice, and

(vi) the International Tribunal for the Law of the sea.

This course builds on knowledge obtained particularly in the bachelor course of public international law.

As this is a MA course, the students are required to critically analyse the above issues. While there is no requirement for students to complete other MA courses, a basic knowledge of public international law will be helpful to follow the course. This course will be relevant for students who wish to work in international fields, such as diplomat, international civil servant and NGOs. The course is given in English.