The United Nations Decade of International Law concluded at the end of 1999 but it seems that some of the more significant changes in the discipline of international law have occurred since 2000. During this last decade the international community established a number of formal dispute settlement mechanisms through new courts and tribunals. This added significantly to the volume of jurisprudence available to international lawyers to work with and study. Important challenges like responses to international terrorism, the use of force, international crimes such as genocide and piracy, and addressing climate change have caused States, international organisations, and peoples to reconsider some of the foundational concepts and principles of international law.

During this period scholars have actively established and strengthened certain approaches to studying and researching international law. The global administrative law project, for instance, has focused on developing an understanding of administrative law–type mechanisms in international law. This suggests a maturing of the legal system that was not present in the later part of the 20th century. Theoretical and interdisciplinary approaches to studying international law have been particularly strong in the past decade and have encouraged scholars to ask new questions about this body of law and the international politics associated with it.

During the past few decades, Australia's engagement with the international community and its contribution to global affairs have continued to increase in a way that is commensurate with its economic capacity, strategic alliances, and contributions to international affairs.