What distinguishes public international law from private international law?

Public international law is distinguished from private international law primarily by its focus on the relationships and disputes that arise between nations rather than those involving private individuals or entities. Specifically, public international law encompasses legal frameworks and principles that govern the interactions among sovereign states, including treaties, diplomatic relations, and international organizations. It deals with issues such as war, trade agreements, human rights, and environmental concerns on a global scale.

In contrast, private international law addresses conflicts of laws and jurisdictional issues that arise in international commercial transactions or private disputes where individuals or companies across different countries are involved. This branch of law operates primarily to resolve issues such as which country’s laws apply when a dispute arises in a cross-border context, or how courts should handle cases involving foreign nationals. By emphasizing disputes and legal relationships between nations, the correct answer accurately captures the essence of public international law.