
Episode #186
Diplomacy's Keystone: International Law for Diplomats
Mario Oyarzábal, Member of the International Law Commission and the Legal Advisor to the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs, discusses the new book International Law for Diplomats, a concise, practitioner-focused guide written to help diplomats—lawyers and non-lawyers alike—handle real-world issues like treaty negotiation, state immunities, use of force, human rights, and dispute settlement. The episode explains the book’s structure around systemic issues, current issues, and practical craft, its accessible style, and the UN Legal Counsel’s foreword. Its central message is that international law is not a specialist domain but diplomacy’s keystone, essential for advancing state interests and reinforcing the rule of law. Mario Oyarzábal reminds us, "that international law is a toolbox for cooperation for resolving disputes peacefully, for accountability." Resources: Ask a Librarian! Ask an Archivist! International Law for Diplomats Available via Global Search Where to listen to this episode Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-page/id1469021154 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/10fp8ROoVdve0el88KyFLy YouTube: https://youtu.be/ Content Guest: Ambassador Mario Oyarzábal Host: Amy Smith Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva




