The book offers a different perspective on international law through the lens of international protection of human rights and the values they embody. This approach becomes relevant in light of modern developments in international jurisprudence. Indeed, for the first time in its history, the International Court of Justice is addressing the fundamental legal aspects of major crises of our time (Ukraine, Gaza Strip, Syria, Myanmar, etc.) based on the most significant international human rights treaties, while dozens of states intervene in the relevant proceedings.

In this context, the book analyzes the multiple interactions between general international law and human rights. The former influences the latter, sometimes promoting rights and at other times restricting them, as demonstrated particularly by the issue of jurisdictional immunities. Conversely, human rights exert influence on general international law, sometimes subtly, other times disruptively. Human rights and the values they encompass have impacted the sources of international law, a range of institutions related to the state's external relations, the law of the sea, the theory of "subjects" of international legal order, the concept of international responsibility, the collective security system, and ultimately, the very structure and character of the field.