International Dispute Settlement

This option discusses the methods and means of settling disputes in international law. It covers both so-called ‘diplomatic’ and 'adjudicatory’ methods of dispute settlement and focuses in particular on the process before international courts and tribunals. In the first part of the option, we cover diplomatic methods of dispute settlement and introduce the various courts and tribunals, with special emphasis on the International Court of Justice and the process before it. In the second part of the option, we take a comparative, bird’s eye view over the process before international courts and tribunals, with emphasis on mixed arbitration, including investment arbitration. In that second part we cover questions of access to courts and tribunals, jurisdiction, admissibility, provisional measures and other interim decisions, merits decisions, and the review and enforcement of decisions and awards.

The teaching also covers general international law topics, such as diplomatic protection and state responsibility. It aims to give students a general understanding of the operation of public international law in its practical application. Previous knowledge of public international law is desirable but not essential, as we will be revisiting basic concepts in the context of seminars, as required.

Assessment is by way of examination at the end of the course.