First published in 2002. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

First published in 1970, Akehurst’s Modern Introduction to International Law rapidly established itself as a widely used and successful textbook in its field. Being the shortest of all the major textbooks in this area, it continues to offer a concise and accessible overview of the concepts, themes, and issues central to the growing system of international law, while retaining Akehurst’s original positivist approach that accounts for the essence and character of this system of law. This new ninth edition has been further revised and updated by Alexander Orakhelashvili to take account of a plethora of recent developments and updates in the field, accounting for over forty decisions of international and national courts, as well as a number of treaties and major incidents that have occurred since the eighth edition of this textbook was published. Based on transparent methodology and with a distinctive cross-jurisdictional approach which opens up the discipline to students from all backgrounds, this engaging, well-structured, and reputable textbook will provide students with all the tools, methods, and concepts they need to fully understand this complex and diverse subject. It is an essential text for all undergraduate and postgraduate students of international law, government and politics, and international relations. This book is one of the only textbooks in international law to offer a fully updated, bespoke companion website: www.routledge.com/cw/orakhelashvili.

This sixth edition has been completely revised and updated to take account of many new developments. It covers a variety of topics, from diplomatic immunity to human rights, and from recognition of government to war crimes. The author is particularly concerned with the relationship between international law and international politics, and he devotes special attention to such controversial topics as self-determination and the expropriation of foreign-owned property where the conflicting interests and attitudes of different states are most apparent.

Presenting up-to-date case law and a freshly updated bibliography, this second edition of The Law of Treaties is a valuable addition to contemporary international law scholarship. It offers much-needed clarity on complicated legal cases and questions while maintaining a highly readable style.

Provides an accessible, balanced, and nuanced introduction to public international law, with examples of how the law applies in practice.