Includes bibliographical references and index.

The main legal features of the international community -- The historical evolution of the international community -- The fundamental principles governing international relations -- States as the primary subjects of international law -- The spatial dimension of state activities -- Limitations on state sovereignty: immunities and treatment of individuals -- Other international legal subjects -- International law-creation: custom -- Treaties -- Other lawmaking processes -- The hierarchy of international law: the role of jus cogens -- The implementation of international rules within national systems -- International wrongful acts and the legal reaction thereto -- Promoting compliance with law and preventing or settling disputes -- Enforcement -- The role of the united nations -- Un sanctions and collective security -- Unilateral resort to force by states -- The protection of human rights -- Legal restraints on violence in armed conflict -- The repression of international crimes -- The international response to terrorism -- Protection of the environment -- Legal attempts at narrowing the north-south gap.