This important book contains original essays by eighteen of the world's leading scholars and practitioners of international relations and international law. Together they address the highly topical question of the role that international law plays in international politics at the turn of the century. Both theoretical and political in its scope, The Role of Law in International Relations examines the character of international rules and norms, the way in which they develop, and how they affect political decision-making in a variety of contexts including international peace and security, international economic relations, international human rights, international development, and the environment.A truly interdisciplinary work under the editorship of Michael Byers, it will be of interest to all teachers, students, and practitioners of international law and politics as well as many non-specialists who are rapidly developing an interest in this highly topical field.