ABSTRACT

Since the creation of the United Nations in 1945, international law has sought to configure itself as a universal system. Yet, despite the best efforts of international institutions, scholars and others to assert the
universal application of international law, its relevance and applicability has been influenced, if not directed, by political power.Today, the "decline of the West" and ascent of China and India poseparticular challenges for international law and institutions. The international system appears to be moving towards multipolarity, with various sites of power competing to exert influence in the world today.

With contributors from a variety of countries providing perspectives from the disciplines of international law and international relations theory, International Law in a Multipolar World addresses the implications that multipolarity poses for the international legal system. Contributors including Jean d'Aspremont, Jörg Kammerhofer, Alexander Orakhelashvili, Christian Pippan and Nigel White, explore issues such as the use of force, governance and democracy, regionalism and the relevance of the United Nations in a multipolar world, while considering the overarching theme of the relationship between power and law.

International Law in a Multipolar World is of particular interest to academics and students of public international law, international relations theory and international politics.

chapter |3 pages

Introduction

chapter |25 pages

Nuclear Non-Proliferation and the Un Security Council in a Multipolar World

Can International Law Protect States from the Security Council?

chapter |23 pages

Using Force in International Affairs

The Role of International Law in Contemporary International Politics

chapter |23 pages

Russia and Competing Spheres of Influence

The Case of Georgia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia

chapter |21 pages

Basic Rights and Global Justice

The Problem of International Coercion

chapter |21 pages

Democracy as a Global Norm

Has it Finally Emerged? *

chapter |11 pages

International Law and East Asia's Regional Order

The Strengthening of a Fundamental Institution

chapter |12 pages

Universality, the UN and the Organization of the Islamic Conference

Single, Complementary or Competing Universal Legal Orders?

chapter |20 pages

The Relationship Between Community Law and International Law After Kadi

Did the ECJ Slam the Door on Effective Multilateralism?