Peace Palace Library

Research Guide
International Criminal Law (updated)

https://peacepalacelibrary.nl/research-guide/international-criminal-law

International criminal law deals with the criminal responsibility of individuals for international crimes. There is no generally accepted definition of international crimes. A distinction can be made between international crimes which are based on international customary law and therefore apply universally and crimes resulting from specific treaties which criminalize certain conduct and require the contracting states to implement legislation for the criminal prosecution of this conduct in their domestic legal system. The international core crimes - crimes over which international tribunals have been given jurisdiction under international law - are: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and aggression. International criminal law finds its origin in both international law and criminal law and closely relates to other areas of international law. The most important areas are human rights law and international humanitarian law as well as the law on state responsibility. The sources of international criminal law are the same as those of general international law mentioned in article 38(1) of the Statute of the International Court of Justice: treaties, international customary law, general principles of law, judicial decisions and writings of eminent legal scholars. The Nuremberg and Tokyo trials signaled the birth of present-day international criminal law, i.e., the prosecution of individuals for international crimes before international tribunals. In the early nineties of the previous century international criminal law received a major stimulus with the establishment of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda by the United Nations Security Council. The creation of various internationalized or mixed criminal courts and the proposals of the International Law Commission, which resulted in the creation of the International Criminal Court in 2002, contributed to the rapid development of international criminal law during the last two decades.

This Guide is intended as a starting point for research in the field of International Criminal Law. It provides the basic legal materials available in the Peace Palace Library, both in print and electronic format. Handbooks, leading articles, bibliographies, periodicals, serial publications and documents of interest are presented in the Selective Bibliography section. Links to the PPL Catalogue are inserted. The Library's subject heading (keyword) International Criminal Law is instrumental for searching through the Catalogue. Special attention is given to our subscriptions on databases, e-journals, e-books and other electronic resources. Finally, this Research Guide features links to relevant websites and other online resources of particular interest.

International Criminal Law | Peace Palace Library Research Guide intended as a starting point for research on International Criminal Law. It provides the legal resources available in the Library.

Research Guide
War and Peace (updated)

https://peacepalacelibrary.nl/research-guide/war-and-peace

The history of Peace is as old as the history of humanity itself, and certainly as old as War. War is often thought to be the natural state of humanity, Peace of any sort being fragile and fleeting. However, Peace in its various forms has been by far humanity's more common experience, as much of history has been relatively peaceful and orderly, while frameworks for security, law and justice have constantly been advancing. Thus, over the centuries the concept of Peace has been broadened from the absence of overt violence and war to something much more sophisticated, incorporating terms such als peacemaking, conflict resolution, and statebuilding.

This Research Guide is intended as a starting point for research on War and Peace. It provides the basic legal materials available in the Peace Palace Library, both in print and electronic format. Handbooks, leading articles, bibliographies, periodicals, serial publications and documents of interest are presented in the Selective Bibliography section. Links to the PPL Catalogue are inserted. The Library's subject headings (keywords) War, Peace and War and Peace Research are instrumental for searching through the Catalogue. Special attention is given to our subscriptions on databases, e-journals, e-books and other electronic resources. Finally, this Research Guide features links to relevant websites and other online resources of particular interest.

War and Peace | Peace Palace Library Research Guide intended as a starting point for research on War and Peace. It provides the legal resources available in the Peace Palace Library.

Research Guide
International Peace and Security (updated)

https://peacepalacelibrary.nl/research-guide/international-peace-and-security

Nowadays many international or regional organizations are involved in international peace and security. Peacemaking, peace-enforcing and peacekeeping activities are employed by a number of organizations. For example: the United Nations, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, African Union, European Union, and others. In fact, these organizations all send multinational forces to the various conflict areas. The expression ‘collective security’ does not occur in the United Nations Charter. It is, however, often used to refer to the system for the maintenance of international peace and security under the UN Charter and the corresponding provisions of regional organizations. According to the UN Charter the United Nations have the primary responsibility ‘[t]o maintain international peace and security, and to that end: to take effective collective measures for the prevention and removal of threats to the peace, and for the suppression of acts of aggression or other breaches of the peace…’ (Art. 1 (1) UN Charter). If it determines, in accordance with Art. 39 UN Charter, the existence of a threat to the peace, breach of the peace, or act of aggression, the UN Security Council may make recommendations, or decide what measures shall be taken by members of the UN to maintain or restore international peace and security.

This Research Guide is intended as a starting point for research in the field of International Peace and Security. It provides the basic materials available in the Peace Palace Library, both in print and electronic format. Handbooks, leading articles, bibliographies, periodicals, serial publications and documents of interest are presented in the Selective Bibliography section. Links to the PPL Catalogue are inserted. The Library's subject heading (keyword) International Peace and Security is instrumental for searching through the Catalogue. Special attention is given to our subscriptions on databases, e-journals, e-books and other electronic resources. Finally, this Research Guide features links to relevant websites and other online resources of particular interest.

International Peace and Security | Peace Palace Library Research Guide intended as a starting point for research on International Peace and Security. It provides the legal resources available in the Library.

Start Your Research: (10) Library Services

A basic introduction to international legal research in the Peace Palace Library. Your road map for approaching an international legal research problem. Step 10.

https://peacepalacelibrary.nl/library-services

The internet has had a major impact on how people find and access information, and now the rising popularity of e-books and databases is helping to transform reading habits and research stategies. The availability of free computers and internet access now rivals book lending and reference expertise as a vital service of libraries. In this changing landscape, libraries are trying to adjust their services to these new realities while still serving the needs of patrons who rely on more traditional resources. Our most recent Library survey finds that many Library Users are eager to see the Library’s digital services expand, yet also feel that print books remain important in the digital age.

Our Services Updated and Expanded

The world in which the Peace Palace Library now works is very different to the workplace of a decade ago. New information technologies, including social networking and communication, and 24/7 connectivity has transformed the Library and the way we look at our services. The Library is more than a clearly identifiable physical location where you can read and borrow books, as the digital revolution has changed the trinity of time, place and action.

Nowadays, the Library is accessible to a larger audience. An audience that is not hampered by physical distance alone. Library services can now theoretically be available every hour, 7 days a week. Our collections and resources are more diverse in terms of content and form. At the same time, the physical space of the Library has been completely redeveloped. A new Library building has been constructed in 2007, with attractive design and a state-of-the-art Reading Room. The Library is now better equipped to meet social functionalities, such as co-working, events, instruction courses, tours, etc.

The Peace Palace Library of the future is a place where people, not books, not even information are central. By using modern library tools and information technologies, the Library has updated and expanded its services in order to create an optimal digital user experience. Access to digital resources and a new website with an updated and highly refined online catalog are just the tip of the iceberg. Please, take a look at all Library services in the submenus. We are at your service!

Research Guide
International Humanitarian Law

https://peacepalacelibrary.nl/research-guide/international-humanitarian-law

International Humanitarian Law, also known as the Laws of War or Law of Armed Conflict, regulates international and non-international armed conflict. International Humanitarian Law consists of rules applicable during armed conflict. These rules also apply to a situation of occupation arising from armed conflict. Its rules can be found in treaties and international customary law. The main objective of these rules is to provide protection to the civilian population and civilian objects as well as to those persons who are no longer taking part in the hostilities. In addition, International Humanitarian Law rules aim to restrict the methods and means of warfare used during the hostilities by the parties involved. The International Committee of the Red Cross, a non-governmental humanitarian organization with its headquarter in Geneva, is the primary institution for International Humanitarian Law. Established in 1863, the initiatives of the ICRC have greatly contributed to the development of the laws of war. The ICRC also monitors the implementation of International Humanitarian Law rules and norms. States that have signed and ratified the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols of 1977 and 2005 have given the ICRC a mandate to protect victims of international and internal armed conflicts.

This Research Guide is intended as a starting point for research in the field of International Humanitarian Law. It provides the basic materials available in the Peace Palace Library, both in print and electronic format. Handbooks, leading articles, bibliographies, periodicals, serial publications and documents of interest are presented in the Selective Bibliography section. Links to the PPL Catalogue are inserted. The Library's subject heading (keyword) International Humanitarian Law is instrumental for searching through the Catalogue. Special attention is given to our subscriptions on databases, e-journals, e-books and other electronic resources. Finally, this Research Guide features links to relevant websites and other online resources of particular interest. Updated regularly in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Library in Geneva.

International Humanitarian Law | Peace Palace Library Research Guide intended as a starting point for research on International Humanitarian Law. It provides the legal resources available in the Library.

Spring in full swing 🌹🌺🌸🌷🌻🌼🪻🪷

Research Guide
Settlement of International Disputes (updated)

https://peacepalacelibrary.nl/research-guide/settlement-international-disputes

Disputes are inextricably linked to international relations. International dispute settlement is concerned with the techniques and institutions which are used to solve international disputes between States and/or international organizations. Increasingly these disputes are no longer just primarily between states but also between states and other parties like international organizations and other non-state actors, and between these actors mutually. In this context the Charter of the United Nations (UN) plays a major role, in particular, regarding disputes between states. Article 2(3) of the UN Charter states that all Member States have to settle their international disputes by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security, and justice, are not endangered. This view was again confirmed in 1982 in a resolution (Res. 37/10) of the UN General Assembly, the so-called Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes.

As the UN Charter does not prescribe in which way or by what means disputes need to be resolved, the parties are free to choose their international dispute settlement mechanism. In the framework of international peace and security Article 33 of the UN Charter provides a number of alternatives to choose from in resolving disputes, e.g., negotiation, enquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, and judicial settlement. Notwithstanding the free choice of means the Manila Declaration underlines the legal obligation of parties to find a peaceful solution to their dispute and refrain from action that might aggravate the situation. The methods and procedures of international dispute settlement also largely apply to non-state actors. These various forms of peaceful dispute settlement are the subject of this general research guide. In addition, there are research guides available on International (Commercial) Arbitration, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, and the International Court of Justice. Information and resources on disputes concerning foreign investment and investment arbitration can be found in the research guide on Foreign Direct Investment.

This Research Guide is intended as a starting point for research on the Settlement of International Disputes. It provides the basic legal materials available in the Peace Palace Library, both in print and electronic format. Handbooks, leading articles, bibliographies, periodicals, serial publications and documents of interest are presented in the Selective Bibliography section. Links to the PPL Catalogue are inserted. The Library's subject headings (keywords) International Dispute Settlement, Judicial Settlement of International Disputes and Pacific Settlement of International Disputes are instrumental for searching through the Catalogue. Special attention is given to our subscriptions on databases, e-journals, e-books and other electronic resources. Finally, this Research Guide features links to relevant websites and other online resources of particular interest.

Settlement of International Disputes | Peace Palace Library Research Guide intended as a starting point for research on the International Dispute Settlement. It provides the legal resources available in the Library.

Engravings Collection: Report of our Interns Fiorella and Aysenur

It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words. When it comes to the Engravings collection at the Peace Palace Library, an image is truly worth more than any words. Each engraving, created by remarkably skilled artists of the time, guards history, heritage and culture.

https://cdm21069.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p21069coll2

From February to April 2026, we had the honour of participating in the Internship program at the Peace Palace Library in cooperation with Erasmus University of Rotterdam. During our time, we had the opportunity of working on digitizing materials from the Old Prints collection, containing 200- to 400-year-old engravings.

It has been a beautiful journey through the past, exploring different historical periods and events. From peace treaties to battle plans, royal portraits and travel journals, the old collection has it all. Whether you are a historian, anthropologist, researcher, student or a history enthusiast you can explore over 600 engravings now made available on the PPL Digital collections.

In art, “engraving” refers to the technique of cutting lines into a metal plate, which is then inked. The ink rests in the grooves, and a high-pressure press transfers the image to paper. As a technique, it emerged in the 15th century, becoming the dominant printmaking method for over 400 years.

Through the large Engravings collection at the Peace Palace Library, it is possible to chronologically trace many historical events, such as the creation of the Dutch Republic. From the early beginnings of the Duchy of Burgundy to the Eighty Years' War and the European Wars of Religion to the Glorious Revolution (1688) and the crowning of William III of Orange as King of England, the collection brings these events and figures to life through the skilled work of European engravers.

During the Internship at the Peace Palace Library we were able to learn much from these engravings and first-hand accounts available in the Old Prints collection.

Research Guide
Permanent Court of Arbitration (updated)

https://peacepalacelibrary.nl/research-guide/permanent-court-arbitration

The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) is an intergovernmental organization with 122 member states. It was established in 1899 to facilitate arbitration and other forms of dispute resolution between states. Since 1913 the seat of the PCA is the Peace Palace in The Hague. The PCA has now developed into a modern, multi-faceted arbitral institution that is perfectly situated at the juncture between public and private international law. Thus it is able to meet the rapidly evolving dispute resolution needs of the international community.

Today the PCA provides multiple services for the resolution of disputes involving various combinations of states, state entities, intergovernmental organizations, and private parties. The PCA's Secretariat, the International Bureau, headed by its Secretary-General, provides administrative support to tribunals and commissions. Its caseload reflects the breadth of PCA involvement in international dispute resolution, encompassing territorial, treaty, and human rights disputes between states. It also deals with commercial and investment disputes, including disputes arising under bilateral and multilateral investment treaties. The PCA can assist in the selection of arbitrators, and may be called upon to designate or act as appointing authority. The PCA is also a center for scholarship and publication, and a forum for legal discourse.

This Research Guide is intended as a starting point for research on the Permanent Court of Arbitration. It provides the basic legal materials available in the Peace Palace Library, both in print and electronic format. Handbooks, leading articles, bibliographies, periodicals, serial publications and documents of interest are presented in the Selective Bibliography section. Links to the PPL Catalogue are inserted. The Library's subject heading (keyword) Permanent Court of Arbitration is instrumental for searching through the Catalogue. Special attention is given to our subscriptions on databases, e-journals, e-books and other electronic resources. Finally, this Research Guide features links to relevant websites and other online resources of particular interest.

Permanent Court of Arbitration | Peace Palace Library Research Guide intended as a starting point for research on the Permanent Court of Arbitration. It provides the legal resources available in the Library.

Start Your Research: (9) Secondary Sources

A basic introduction to international legal research in the Peace Palace Library. Your road map for approaching an international legal research problem. Step 9.

https://peacepalacelibrary.nl/start-your-research-9-secondary-sources

Although we have followed the structure of Article 38 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice in the previous steps (1-5), followed by the peremptory norms of international law, resolutions and decisions of international organizations and soft law (6-8), this is not always the best order in which to tackle your research project. Often, it is more productive to consult secondary sources at the outset.

Secondary sources are resources that explain, analyze, synthesize, critque or comment on the law. There are a variety of types of secondary sources, including: books, essays, journal articles, dictionaries, legal encyclopedias, law reports, legal treatises, practice materials, blogs, and newspapers.

Secondary sources are usually consulted to obtain background information and context for a research project. Another important aspect of secondary sources is that they sometimes can be used as subsidiary sources to determine primary law, either a rule of customary international law or general principles of law. The citations found within secondary sources can be used to lead researchers to primary resources and other relevant materials. Many researchers handling complex international law issues find they return to secondary sources at point of need throughout the research process.

The Peace Palace Library Catalogue is your gateway to secondary resources. This comprehensive bibliographic database offers access to all types of sources - electronically or in print, and covers all topics of international law. The Peace Palace Library Research Guides, prepared and maintained by our team of Law Librarians, are another powerful tool to find secondary sources. The Research Guides suggest certain books, articles, databases and other materials considered indispensable for doing research on your specific topic.

You might consider our Library Instruction on how to conduct legal research in the Library at all levels.

References

Guide to International Legal Research, Fifth Edition, Newark, LexisNexis Matthew Bender, 2003.

Hoffman, M.B. and R.C. Berring Jr., International Legal Research in a Nutshell, Second Edition, St. Paul, West Academic Publishing, 2017.

Kuehl, H.F. and M.A. O'Brien, International Legal Research in a Global Community, Durham, Carolina Academic Press, 2018.

Winer, A.S., M.A.E. Archer, and L. Louis-Jacques, International Law Legal Research, Durham, Carolina Academic Press, 2013.