International law

International law is law that deals with relationships between states, or between persons or entities in different states. It is divided into public international law, and private international law. When used without an adjective, public international law is generally what is being referred to, and that is the meaning used in this article.

Traditionally international law had states as its sole subjects. With the proliferation over the last century of international organizations, they have been recognized as its subjects as well. More recent developments in [international human rights law]?, [international humanitarian law]? and [international trade law]? (e.g. NAFTA? Chapter 11 actions) have lead to individuals and corporations being increasingly seen as subjects of international law as well, something which however goes against the traditional legal orthodoxy. Since international law increasingly governs much more than merely relations between soverign states, it may be better defined as law decided and enforced at the international, as opposed to national, level.

International legal norms can be customary? or conventional?.

See also nationality, terrorism, environmental agreements, state, territorial integrity.