Includes bibliographical references and index.

Part I: Origins and foundations of the international community. The main legal features of the international community ; The historical evolution of the international community ; The fundamental principles governing international relations -- Part II: Subjects of the international community. 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 -- Part III: Creation and implementation of international legal standards. 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 -- Part IV: Breaches of international law and their consequences. International wrongful acts and the legal reaction thereto ; Promoting compliance with law and preventing or settling disputes ; Enforcement -- Part V: Contemporary issues in international law. 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.

Previous edition, 1st, published in 2001.