Book excerpt: This collection of papers addresses two main themes: firstly, whether there is a distinctively European contribution to or even leadership in the contemporary formation and evolution of international law; secondly, the extent to which non-governmental actors (e.g. NGOs, international organizations, companies, individuals) contribute decisively to the formation of international law at the present time. These issues are explored within a number of different contexts of contemporary significance, in particular: the protection of human and minority rights; protection of the environment; control of transnational organized crime; prosecution of war crimes and crimes against humanity; the definition of statehood and the right to self-determination; transnational commercial and economic activity. The discussion is firmly located within the theory of international law and relations and also the continuum of international history. Comparisons are drawn with both global and other regional developments to test the hypothesis of a 'European international law'. The work will be of interest to teachers, students and practitioners (legal and otherwise) in the field of international law and relations.