Final answer:
Public international law encompasses the legal relations and governance mechanisms between sovereign states and other internationally recognized entities, defining norms and expectations for their behavior on the global stage. It is a complex mix of treaties, customary practices, and legal principles that cover areas such as human rights, maritime law, and the laws of war.
Step-by-step explanation:
Public international law refers to the legal relations between sovereign states and other entities with international legal personality. It is not concerned with legal relations between governments and publicly held companies, private individuals, or relations limited to private entities.
International law is composed of a variety of elements such as international treaties, customary law, and principles recognized by civilized nations. This body of law governs areas such as the law of the sea, human rights law, and the regulations concerning the conduct of war known as the Geneva Conventions.
The primary purpose of international law is to provide a framework for the conduct of international relations in an anarchic world system without a central authority. It sets expectations and norms for state behavior, promoting peace and cooperation across borders.
International organizations, such as the United Nations, and courts like the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, play roles in the adjudication and application of international law, although enforcement can be challenging due to the lack of a global executive authority.