UPSC Mains Law Optional: Guide to Prepare for International Law Section

If you're preparing for the UPSC Mains exam and have chosen Law as your optional subject, you'll know that International Law forms a significant part of Paper I, specifically falling under Section B. This section is known for its challenging questions, with one of them being compulsory to attempt.

Before we delve into the specifics, let's look at some of the recommended books for studying this section:

1. 'International Law' authored by Malcolm N. Shaw
2. 'International Law & Human Rights' by S K Kapoor

It's important to note that you don't need to read these books cover to cover. Instead, focus on the topics that are specifically relevant to the UPSC syllabus. You can also supplement your study materials with online resources and articles on various international law topics.

Interestingly, you'll find a considerable overlap of topics between international law and general studies. Areas such as international economic institutions, human environment protection, non-proliferation, and the United Nations are common to both.

Here are some key topics to focus on in international law:

• Understanding the nature and definition of international law, its sources (customs, principles, treatises, etc.), its subjects, basis, and sanctions.
• The relationship between international law and municipal law is a crucial area as it often forms the basis for direct questions.
• Topics such as state recognition and state succession, the difference between de facto and de jure recognition, theories of state recognition and government recognition, types of state succession and implications of non-recognition often form the basis for practical questions.
• The law of the sea is another area where practical questions are common. Important topics include the Continental Shelf and its determination, inland waters, contiguous zone, exclusive economic zone, continental shelf, high seas, and territorial sea.
• Transit passage and freedom of the high sea are important topics for short notes.
• Topics related to nationality, statelessness, human rights, procedures for their enforcement, the legal position of individuals under international law, the role of the UN in promoting human rights, and key ICJ judgments.
• Territorial jurisdiction of states, extradition, and asylum are key areas to focus on.
• Understanding treaties, principles like Jus cogens, rebus sic stantibus, principle of pacta sant servanda, and reservations in treaties is crucial.
• In the UN section, understanding the compulsory jurisdiction of ICJ, the veto system, and provisions of the UN charter for peacekeeping are key topics.
• Modes of peaceful settlement of disputes, lawful use of force, conditions under which it is justified, legality of nuclear weapons use, ban on nuclear weapons testing, NPT, CTBT are all important topics.
• International terrorism, hijacking, state-sponsored terrorism, international criminal court are more relevant for GS than international law.

Also read | Tips on Studying Constitutional and Administrative Law for UPSC Mains Law Optional

It's time to start your UPSC 2023 preparation now!

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