Oxford Handbook of the Theory of International Law

Edited by Anne Orford, Redmond Barry Distinguished Professor, Michael D Kirby Chair of International Law, and ARC Kathleen Fitzpatrick Australian Laureate Fellow, Melbourne Law School, University of Melbourne, and Edited by Florian Hoffmann, Professor of Law, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio)

The Oxford Handbook of International Legal Theory provides an accessible and authoritative guide to the major thinkers, concepts, approaches, and debates that have shaped contemporary international legal theory. The Handbook features 48 original essays by leading international scholars from a wide range of traditions, nationalities, and perspectives, reflecting the richness and diversity of this dynamic field.

The collection explores key questions and debates in international legal theory, offers new intellectual histories for the discipline, and provides fresh interpretations of significant historical figures, texts, and theoretical approaches. It provides a much-needed map of the field of international legal theory, and a guide to the main themes and debates that have driven theoretical work in international law. The Handbook will be an indispensable reference work for students, scholars, and practitioners seeking to gain an overview of current theoretical debates about the nature, function, foundations, and future role of international law.

This Oxford Handbook explores key questions and debates in international legal theory, offering new intellectual histories for the discipline, and providing fresh interpretations of significant historical figures, texts, and theoretical approaches.