This course examines public international law - what diplomats and scholars once referred to as the "law of nations," - ideas about sovereignty, self-determination, legitimate war, humanitarian intervention, economic aid, and human rights - that began in Europe's colonialization of the New World and developed over time as it has matured and evolved to adapt to today's complex and interdependent world. It begins by considering fundamental questions about the nature of international law - the subjects and sources of international law, its origins in the sovereign equality of states, and the limits on authoritative interpretation and enforcement of international law. It explores core international law concepts and issues such as state responsibility, the law of treaties, and the bases for states to exercise jurisdiction. It then looks at a series of international law topics and issues, including some of particular interest today, such as mechanisms for the settlement of international disputes, the law governing coercion and the use of armed force, the development of international human rights, the law or armed conflict, and the emergence of a body of international criminal law and international criminal tribunals for its enforcement. Throughout, the course will consider current issues and problems arising in the international arena and the extent to which international law actually affects the behavior of states. This course provides a general grounding in public international law and a foundation for more advanced or specialized international law course.