International law relates to the rules governing hostilities and the treatment of prisoners. It also regulates global commons, communication and trade. As the world has become more interconnected, international law has expanded its scope to encompass various issues. In this article, we will consider some of the key areas where international law can be useful. The goal is to help you understand these complex laws so you can put them to use in your life. This article is not intended to be a comprehensive treatise on international law.

In the 15th century, international law began to emerge, and many major factors combined to influence its development. Greek scholars from the Byzantine Empire contributed to this new branch of law. The printing press made scientific research and the study of human rights more accessible and widespread, and increased European exploration pushed scholars to develop more complex legal concepts. Meanwhile, the formation of centralized states such as Spain and France brought more ambition and wealth to the area, and international law had to evolve accordingly. Among the first texts to explore international law was Hugo Grotius’ De jure belli ac pacis (1625).

There are several normative questions related to international law. Whether or not a state has consented to an international law regime is crucial to defining the validity of the law. A treaty is considered legitimate only if the state has given its explicit consent. An international law norm may be presumptively binding if a state fails to object to it. International law is a complex field, and there are many facets and domains.