Generally speaking, international law is a complex of rules and regulations that govern international interactions. Its roots can be traced back to antiquity. But the international legal system’s structure has undergone significant modifications and expansion over the years.

In the modern world, international law has been expanded to include non-state organizations, international corporations, and paramilitary groups. It has also been influenced by international organizations such as the United Nations.

International law originated from cooperative agreements that took place in ancient Middle East. The earliest example is the peace treaties of Lagash and Umma, which were signed in Mesopotamia around 2100 BCE.

A common conceptual framework is developed for states across a wide range of domains. These include international customs and laws, international agreements, and international tribunals. International law also affects human rights, international organizations, and ethical principles. International organizations have become increasingly influential in recent years. The United Nations was founded in 1945 to address international issues.

A wide variety of international tribunals have varying degrees of relation to the United Nations. These include tribunals for former Yugoslavia, Rwanda, and Sierra Leone. The UN Security Council also has a role in determining whether international law applies to a particular issue. The UN Security Council resolutions are often binding on member states. The opinions issued by international tribunals are binding upon states and non-parties.

The development of international law has been influenced by ancient Greek political philosophy, as well as the ancient Israelite civilization and the rich cultural traditions of the Chinese. The study of international law also benefited from the exploration of Europe in the 15th century, as European scholars sought to develop conceptual frameworks for the study of international law.