The Hague - Legal Capital of the World : Essential Reference

In this review the book The Hague - Legal Capital of the World is presented as an informed, accessible reference for readers interested in international institutions and modern legal history. Its primary appeal is the focused survey of the city that hosts the world's main legal bodies, written by Peter J. van Krieken and David McKay and framed by notable forewords. The review finds the book most useful to students, practitioners and policymakers who need a concise, document-supported guide to institutions such as the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court.

Key Features

• Comprehensive institutional overview: The book examines the range of legal bodies based in The Hague, giving readers a clear map of which courts and organizations operate in the city.
• Authoritative contributors: Forewords by Bernard Bot, Wim Deetman and Hans Corell add historical and diplomatic perspective that complements the authors' analysis.
• Document support: Fact sheets and key documents included in the text help readers verify claims and follow up on primary material.
• Focused analysis: Chapters discuss major institutions such as the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court and the Yugoslavia Tribunal, making complex subjects approachable.
• Practical reference tone: The writing balances scholarly exposition with concise, usable information for research or briefing purposes.

Who It's For

The Hague - Legal Capital of the World is aimed at law students, researchers and practitioners seeking a concise orientation to the major international legal institutions located in The Hague. Its combination of explanatory text, fact sheets and key documents makes it especially useful as a classroom supplement or as background reading for lawyers preparing materials related to international courts.

Readers looking for in-depth legal theory, archival history beyond institutional summaries, or a narrative travelogue of The Hague should look elsewhere; this volume prioritizes institutional description and practical documents over stylistic storytelling.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear, well-structured overviews of multiple international institutions provide a dependable quick reference.
• Forewords by prominent figures lend credibility and context to the work.
• Inclusion of fact sheets and key documents enhances the book's utility for research and briefing.

Cons

• Not intended as a deep theoretical treatment, so readers seeking exhaustive legal analysis may find it limited.

Specifications

Title	The Hague - Legal Capital of the World
Authors	Peter J. van Krieken, David McKay
Forewords	Bernard Bot; Wim Deetman; Hans Corell
Subjects covered	International Court of Justice; International Criminal Court; Yugoslavia Tribunal; OPCW
Content features	Fact sheets and key documents
Focus	Institutions based in The Hague

Our Verdict

The Hague - Legal Capital of the World is a compact, well-sourced introduction to the major international legal bodies located in The Hague, recommended for students, legal professionals and policy researchers who need a practical institutional guide. Its combination of authoritative forewords, clear exposition and supporting documents makes it good value for anyone seeking a reliable reference rather than a deep theoretical study.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the book include primary documents?
Yes. The text includes fact sheets and key documents to support the discussion of institutions.

Which institutions are covered?
The book discusses the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, the Yugoslavia Tribunal and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, among others.

Is it suitable for law students?
Yes. It is particularly useful as a concise classroom supplement or reference for students studying international and foreign law.