First published in 2002. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

First published in 1970, Akehurst’s Modern Introduction to International Law rapidly established itself as a widely used and successful textbook in its field. Being the shortest of all the major textbooks in this area, it continues to offer a concise and accessible overview of the concepts, themes, and issues central to the growing system of international law, while retaining Akehurst’s original positivist approach that accounts for the essence and character of this system of law. This new ninth edition has been further revised and updated by Alexander Orakhelashvili to take account of a plethora of recent developments and updates in the field, accounting for over forty decisions of international and national courts, as well as a number of treaties and major incidents that have occurred since the eighth edition of this textbook was published. Based on transparent methodology and with a distinctive cross-jurisdictional approach which opens up the discipline to students from all backgrounds, this engaging, well-structured, and reputable textbook will provide students with all the tools, methods, and concepts they need to fully understand this complex and diverse subject. It is an essential text for all undergraduate and postgraduate students of international law, government and politics, and international relations. This book is one of the only textbooks in international law to offer a fully updated, bespoke companion website: www.routledge.com/cw/orakhelashvili.

Applies the New Haven School approach explaining discrete aspects of the global decision process and their effects on the content of international legal rules. Provides an in-depth treatment of the key features of the New Haven School of international law. References both classic historical examples and contemporary events to illustrate international legal processes and principles. Focuses on important trends in international law, including the movement from a state-centered system to a people-centered one. Contributes to the growth of a world community of human dignity through international law. -- Publishers website.

The second edition of this concise and well-loved textbook has been enhanced and developed while continuing to offer a fresh and accessible approach to international law, providing students with a uniquely holistic understanding of the field. Starting with the legal principles that underpin each strand of international law, and putting this into a real-life context, this textbook builds an understanding of how the international legal system operates and where it is heading. It guides readers through the theoretical foundations and development of international law norms, while also explaining clearly how the law works in practice.

Provides an accessible, balanced, and nuanced introduction to public international law, with examples of how the law applies in practice.