Happy birthday!

Happy birthday to The Law of Nations! We went live a year ago, on 1 December 2016. Not just an excuse to see our name in icing on the birthday cake, the birthday is also a chance to thank all our readers and contributors for making the project such a success.

While the focus of the blog is on international law relating to the UK, we have a keen comparative perspective and are delighted to see the blog being read by visitors from all over the world. Our top 10 countries in terms of visitors are the UK, the US, India, Germany, The Netherlands, Australia, Japan, France, Belgium and Italy, with readers also coming from Ukraine to Singapore, Brazil to Hong Kong.

Our most-read posts over the last year have been:

1. Review of the year – top 10 international law cases of 2016 – a top 10 topping the top 10…
2. A big day for international law in the Supreme Court – our round-up of the key points from the important decisions in Rahmatullah, Belhaj and Al-Waheed.
3. Ukraine v Russia in the English courts – the story of how a summary judgment application pitted the two States against each other.
4. Brexit, the UK and bilateral investment treaties – a look at the thorny issues posed by Brexit for the UK’s BITs.
5. After Miller: the impact of the Supreme Court’s judgment – reporting on a lively panel discussion.
6. Beyond Brexit: what does Miller mean for the UK’s power to make and break international obligations? The implications of this decision were not confined to Brexit.
7. Closing the net: international law and fugitives in Northern Cyprus – Can the UK co-operate with the law enforcement agencies of a State which it does not recognise?
8. Saving Lives in the Mediterranean – The work of NGOs in rescuing those fleeing by sea where States fail to step in.
9. Does the UK Government require Parliamentary approval for the use of military force? A vital question in an era of increased calls for humanitarian intervention.
10. Diplomatic immunity: who decides? A look at the courts’ approach to diplomatic appointments which are said to be a sham or prevent redress for human rights abuses.

We’re also delighted that our seven podcasts have been so widely listened to; there are lots more in the pipeline for the new year.

As ever, we welcome comments, suggestions, contributions and cross-posts – and thanks to all our authors and readers so far!