Throughout history, states have negotiated legal obligations on a global scale. These obligations have been codified into treaties, agreements, and the United Nations Charter. International law is an incredibly complex field, spanning national and customary law. Even in the modern world, a vast amount of law is derived from international relations. From trade to human rights, international law is a vastly complex body of law. But what is its purpose?

International lawyers study various legal norms and practices, including those related to conflict resolution and the application of those norms. These professionals learn how to weigh competing rights, but these professional methods are not value-neutral, and are subject to politics, ideology, and values. They can only approximate objectivity through specific procedures and recognized modes of argumentation. The aim of the chapter is to help the student understand how international law works in the world. This textbook is a great place to start your international law studies.

International law covers a wide range of issues, from the conduct of hostilities to the treatment of prisoners. It can also cover matters related to the environment and global commons, including world trade and communications. However, it does not cover all aspects of international relations. For example, a violation of international law can involve the use of nuclear weapons or the destruction of cultural property. In order to protect these interests, international law is the rule of the day.