International Law | LouvainX on edX | Course About Video

edX

9 Feb 201502:26

Summary

TLDRProfessor Pierre d'Argent introduces an introductory course on public international law, emphasizing its relevance in today's interconnected world. He outlines the course's focus on understanding the creation, respect, application, and enforcement of international law, highlighting its importance for law students, political scientists, and anyone interested in global affairs. The course aims to equip learners to discern legal arguments within international news and reports.

Takeaways

🌐 International law is pervasive, affecting travel, trade, migration, and environmental protection.
📈 The expansion of trade and increasing human rights concerns highlight the growing relevance of international law.
🔍 Diplomats and states use international law for negotiations, treaty-making, and dispute resolution.
🏛️ International law governs relations between states and is also relevant to international organizations and non-state actors.
🌟 Professor Pierre d'Argent introduces himself as an expert in international law, both academically and practically.
📚 The course aims to provide an understanding of the creation, respect, application, and enforcement of international law.
🤝 International law is essential for states to settle disputes, either through courts or arbitration.
🛡️ The United Nations Security Council plays a significant role in international law, including the authorization of force and peacekeeping operations.
📈 The field of international law is dynamic and expanding, becoming increasingly relied upon in our interdependent world.
🔎 The course will explore the mechanisms for seeking justice when international law is breached.
👩‍🎓👨‍🎓 The course is suitable for law students, political science, international relations, journalism students, and anyone interested in understanding international law and its application.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script provided?
-The main focus of the video script is to introduce the concept of public international law and its relevance in today's interconnected and complex world.
Who is Pierre d'Argent and what is his professional background?
-Pierre d'Argent is a professor of international law at Universite of Louvain in Belgium and also practices international law as a member of the Brussels Bar.
What does the term 'public international law' refer to in the context of the script?
-In the script, 'public international law' refers to the body of law that governs the relations between states and also relates to the activities of international organizations, as well as increasingly to individuals, corporations, NGOs, and other non-state actors.
Why is international law considered an exciting and expanding field according to the script?
-International law is considered an exciting and expanding field because as the world becomes more interdependent and complex, and new institutions are established to make international law more effective, it has never been so much relied upon, used, and developed.
What are some of the areas where international law is applied as mentioned in the script?
-The script mentions areas such as trade, human rights, protection of endangered species, diplomatic negotiations, treaty contracts, prosecution of international crimes, dispute settlements, and actions taken by the United Nations Security Council.
What is the purpose of the introductory course on public international law taught by Pierre d'Argent?
-The purpose of the course is to help students understand how international law is made, by whom it must be respected, how it is applied, and what happens when binding rules are breached, including seeking justice in the international community.
Who is the target audience for the introductory course on public international law?
-The target audience includes law students, those studying political sciences, international relations, journalism, or anyone interested in understanding international law, its role in today's world, and how it can be used or discerned in international news and reports.
What does Pierre d'Argent aim to teach students about the creation and enforcement of international law?
-Pierre d'Argent aims to teach students how international law is made, who must respect it, how it is applied, and the mechanisms for addressing breaches of binding rules and seeking justice.
How does the script describe the relationship between international law and non-state actors?
-The script describes the relationship by stating that international law increasingly concerns individuals, corporations, NGOs, and other non-state actors, indicating its broadening scope and relevance.
What role does the United Nations Security Council play in the context of international law as per the script?
-According to the script, the United Nations Security Council plays a significant role by taking binding measures on member states, authorizing the use of force, or creating peacekeeping operations.
What are some of the contemporary challenges or issues that international law addresses as mentioned in the script?
-The script mentions contemporary challenges such as human rights violations, endangered species protection, international crimes prosecution, and the settlement of disputes between states.

Outlines

00:00

🌏 Introduction to International Law

Pierre d'Argent introduces the pervasive influence of international law in our daily lives, from traveling and trade to the protection of endangered species and the resolution of international disputes. He highlights the growing importance of international law as the world becomes more interconnected and complex. As a professor and practitioner, d'Argent offers an introductory course to public international law, which governs the relations between states and is increasingly relevant to individuals, corporations, NGOs, and other non-state actors. The course aims to explore the creation, enforcement, and application of international law, as well as the pursuit of justice in cases of rule breaches.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡International Law

International law refers to a set of rules and principles that govern relations between states and other global actors, such as international organizations, corporations, and individuals. In the video, Pierre d'Argent emphasizes how international law is integral to various global interactions, from trade and migration to human rights and environmental protection. The course is designed to help students understand how international law is made, applied, and enforced in a complex and interconnected world.

💡United Nations Security Council

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, responsible for maintaining international peace and security. The video highlights the role of the UNSC in taking binding measures on member states, authorizing the use of force, and creating peacekeeping operations. This illustrates the power and influence of the UNSC in enforcing international law and managing global conflicts.

💡Human Rights

Human rights refer to the fundamental rights and freedoms that every individual is entitled to, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, religion, or any other status. The video mentions the increasing complaints about human rights violations, demonstrating how international law addresses these issues and provides mechanisms for protection and justice. Understanding human rights within the context of international law is crucial for grasping its role in safeguarding individual dignity and equality.

💡Diplomats

Diplomats are officials representing their countries in foreign affairs, engaging in negotiations, and crafting treaties. The video refers to diplomats meeting, negotiating, and contracting treaties as part of international law. This showcases the diplomatic processes involved in forming and upholding international agreements, which are essential for peaceful and cooperative international relations.

💡Treaties

Treaties are formal agreements between states that are legally binding under international law. In the video, Pierre d'Argent discusses how diplomats contract treaties as a key aspect of international law. Treaties are foundational to maintaining order and cooperation among nations, covering various areas such as trade, environmental protection, and human rights.

💡International Organizations

International organizations are entities established by multiple countries to work on common goals and issues that transcend national borders. The video points out that international law not only governs relations between states but also increasingly involves international organizations. These organizations, like the United Nations, play a vital role in creating and enforcing international law, addressing global challenges such as peacekeeping, health, and development.

💡International Crimes

International crimes are severe violations of international law, including crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide. The video mentions the prosecution of international crimes as part of the broader scope of international law. Addressing these crimes is crucial for achieving justice and preventing impunity on a global scale, reflecting the importance of legal mechanisms in maintaining international order.

💡Arbitration

Arbitration is a method of dispute resolution where conflicting parties agree to submit their dispute to one or more arbitrators who make a binding decision. In the video, arbitration is mentioned as a way states settle their disputes, alongside courts. This highlights the role of arbitration in international law as an alternative to litigation, offering a flexible and often less adversarial means of resolving international conflicts.

💡Peacekeeping Operations

Peacekeeping operations are missions authorized by international organizations, particularly the United Nations, to help maintain or restore peace in conflict regions. The video references the UNSC's role in creating peacekeeping operations as part of enforcing international law. These operations are vital for stabilizing war-torn areas, protecting civilians, and supporting the implementation of peace agreements.

💡Justice

Justice in the context of international law refers to the fair and impartial application of laws to resolve disputes, punish violations, and uphold rights. The video emphasizes the pursuit of justice when binding rules are breached, underscoring the importance of legal recourse in addressing wrongs and ensuring accountability. Justice is a central theme in international law, as it seeks to balance power, protect rights, and maintain global order.

Highlights

International law is pervasive in various aspects of global activities - travel, trade, migration, diplomacy, and more.

Human rights violations and endangered species protection are increasingly within the scope of international law.

Diplomats and states engage in treaty negotiations and dispute resolution through courts and arbitration.

The United Nations Security Council has binding powers over member states, including authorizing the use of force and establishing peacekeeping operations.

Pierre d'Argent introduces himself as a professor of international law and a practicing member of the Brussels Bar.

Public international law governs relations between states and is increasingly relevant to international organizations, individuals, corporations, NGOs, and other non-state actors.

International law is an exciting and expanding field, becoming more relied upon, used, and developed in our interdependent and complex world.

The course aims to understand the creation, respect, application, and enforcement of international law.

Binding rules and the pursuit of justice in international law will be explored, including what happens when they are breached.

The course is suitable for law students, political science, international relations, journalism students, or anyone interested in understanding international law's role in today's world.

Participants will learn how to discern legal arguments within the context of international news and reports.

International law is crucial for navigating the complexities of global interdependence.

The course will delve into the practical applications and theoretical underpinnings of international law.

Understanding international law is essential for anyone looking to engage with global affairs professionally or academically.

The course provides an introductory yet comprehensive look at the principles and practices of public international law.

Pierre d'Argent's dual role as a professor and practitioner offers a unique perspective on teaching international law.

The course promises to be both educational and insightful for those seeking to understand the mechanisms of international law enforcement and justice.