Democracies and International Law

Contrasts democratic and authoritarian approaches to international law, explaining how their interaction will affect the world in the future.

Tom Ginsburg (Author)

9781108843133, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 30 September 2021

250 pages, 25 b/w illus.
23.5 x 15.7 x 2.1 cm, 0.67 kg

'… an important and wide-ranging treatment of the international-constitutional law relationship.' Rosalind Dixon, American Journal of International Law

Democracies and authoritarian regimes have different approaches to international law, grounded in their different forms of government. As the balance of power between democracies and non-democracies shifts, it will have consequences for international legal order. Human rights may face severe challenges in years ahead, but citizens of democratic countries may still benefit from international legal cooperation in other areas. Ranging across several continents, this volume surveys the state of democracy-enhancing international law, and provides ideas for a way forward in the face of rising authoritarianism.

Introduction: A tale of two dictators
1. Why would democracies be different?
2. Are democracies different? Some facts
3. Can international law save democracy?
4. Regions and the defense of democracy
5. Authoritarian international law
6. Whence the liberal order? China, the United States, and the return of sovereignty
Conclusion: What is to be done?

Subject Areas: International organisations & institutions [LBBU], Public international law [LBB], International relations [JPS], Comparative politics [JPB], Social & political philosophy [HPS]