This module explores the legal frameworks governing, and politico-legal concerns relating to, international dispute resolution. Students will be introduced to the different methods for resolving disputes between different types of actors at the transnational, regional and international levels. They will gain an understanding of international disputes, the options for resolving them, and how the nature of a dispute might inform decisions as to resolution mechanism used. The module will explore questions such as the legal and political factors relevant to selecting dispute resolution approaches, the choices available to parties, ‘forum shopping’, informal resolution structures (such as negotiation, conciliation, good offices, and mediation), arbitration, and international judicial adjudication.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Demonstrate advanced undergraduate knowledge and understanding of the actors and entities that may be involved in international disputes;
Demonstrate in writing the ability to critique the limits of courts in addressing international disputes and to explain the strengths and weaknesses of other structures (including negotiation, conciliation, good offices and mediation);
Be able to present balanced and well-founded arguments about topics where complexity and uncertainty can characterise debate, and to be able to put forward opinions that take into account a range of approaches to international dispute resolution;
Show an advanced undergraduate awareness and knowledge of debates on dispute resolution in international affairs.