Analysing international law through the prism of “cynicism” makes it  possible to look beyond overt disregard for international law, currently discussed in terms of a backlash or crisis. The concept allows to  analyse and criticise structural features and specific uses of  international law that seem detrimental to international law in a more  subtle way. Unlike its ancient predecessor, cynicism nowadays refers not  to a bold critique of power but to uses and abuses of international law that pursue one-sided interests tacitly disregarding the legal structure applied. From this point of view, the contributions critically reflect on the theoretical foundations of international law, in  particular its relationship to power, actors such as the International Law Commission and international judges, and specific fields, including  international human rights, humanitarian, criminal, tax and investment law.