Public Purpose In International Law

This text explores how the public purpose doctrine reconciles the conflicting obligations that states have to engage in regulatory sovereignty while honoring host-state obligations to protect foreign investment. It examines the multiple permutations and iterations of the doctrine and the inherent fundamental flaws that lead to disparities in the relationship between investors and states.

This text explores how the public purpose doctrine reconciles the often conflicting, but equally binding, obligations that states have to engage in regulatory sovereignty while honoring host-state obligations to protect foreign investment. The work examines the multiple permutations and iterations of the public purpose doctrine and concludes that this principle needs to be reconceptualized to meet the imperatives of economic globalization and of a new paradigm of sovereignty that is based on the interdependence, and not independence, of states. It contends that the historical expression of the public purpose doctrine in customary and conventional international law is fraught with fundamental flaws that, if not corrected, will give rise to disparities in the relationship between investors and states, asymmetries with respect to industrialized nations and developing states, and, ultimately, process legitimacy concerns.

The world is poised for another important transition. The United States is dealing with the impact of the Afghan and Iraq wars, the use of torture and secret detention, Guantanamo, climate change, nuclear proliferation, weakened international institutions, and other issues related directly or indirectly to international law. The world needs an accurate account of the important role of international law and The Power and Purpose of International Law seeks to provide it. Mary Ellen O'Connell explains the purpose of international law and the power it has to achieve that purpose. International law supports order in the world and the attainment of humanity's fundamental goals of peace, prosperity, respect for human rights, and protection of the natural environment. These goals can best be realized through international law, which uniquely has the capacity to bind even a superpower of the world. By exploring the roots and history of international law, and by looking at specific events in the history of international law, this book demonstrates the why and the how of international law and its enforcement. It directly confronts the notion that international law is "powerless" and that working within the framework of international law is useless or counter-productive. As the world moves forward, it is critical that both leaders and their citizens understand the true power and purpose of international law and this book creates a valuable resource for them to aid their understanding. It uses a clear, compelling style to convey topical, informative and cutting-edge information to the reader.

This new edition of Sornarajah's book, available for the first time in paperback, surveys the international law developed to protect foreign investment by multinational corporations. The area has always been one of controversy due to the different political and economic conflicts that exist in the field. The book assesses the role of multinational corporations in making foreign investments, and considers the ways in which misconduct on the part of such corporations in host states could be controlled. Sornarajah focuses on the protection of foreign investment and the problems associated with such protection. He explores treaty-based methods, and examines several bilateral and regional investment treaties. The failure to agree on a multilateral treaty system and the inability to incorporate a discipline on investment within the WTO are also considered. He takes account not only of the law, but also of the relevant literature in economics, political science and other associated disciplines.

The sixth edition of Ian Brownlie's comprehensive and authoritative textbook has been thoroughly revised and updated to take into account all changes in the field of public international law since 1998. A new chapter on the Use of Force has been added and further discussion of the Environment.Its clarity, excellent structure, detailed referencing and depth and maturity of analysis make it the ideal text for students, scholars and practitioners.

This book clarifies factors that play an important role in securing the effectiveness of legal regimes that aim to protect public interests of the international community.

Offering a more accessible alternative to casebooks and historical commentaries, Law Among Nations explains issues of international law by tracing the field’s development and stressing key principles, processes, and landmark cases. This comprehensive text eliminates the need for multiple books by combining discussions of theory and state practice with excerpts from landmark cases. The book has been updated in light of the continuing revolution in communication technology; the dense web of linkages between countries that involve individuals and bodies both formal and informal; and important and controversial areas such as human rights, the environment, and issues associated with the use of force. Renowned for its rigorous approach and clear explanations, Law Among Nations remains the gold standard for undergraduate introductions to international law. New to the Twelfth Edition Added or expanded coverage of timely issues in international law: Drones and their use in the air and in space Outer space Cybercrime and responses The Julian Assange Case Environmental law Expanded discussion of space law Expanded discussion of conflict and non-state actors Final cases in the ICTY Thoroughly rewritten chapters on areas of great change: International Criminal Law Just War and War Crime Law International Economic Law (newly restored in response to reviews) International Environmental Law New cases, statutes, and treaties on many subjects

Provides an overview of contemporary international law and signposts for additional research. Includes chapters on the law of the sea, international environmental law, the use of force and arms control. Text explores the application and relevance of international law, as well as its sources. Discusses international organizations, dispute settlement, International Law of Treaties, and the rights of individuals. In addition, the text addresses jurisdiction, U.S. foreign relations law, and immunities. Also features international legal research sources and methods.