The UN Security Council and International Law

Explores the legal powers, limits and potential of the often misunderstood but highly important United Nations Security Council.

Michael Wood (Author), Eran Sthoeger (Author)

9781108483490, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 9 June 2022

300 pages
23.5 x 15.7 x 1.7 cm, 0.5 kg

'Wood and Sthoeger elegantly parse the voluminous practice of the U.N. Security Council to explain its most salient characteristics in relation to international law, notably its nature, process, power, limits, and law-making role. Through copious and compelling examples, the sometimes-obscure legal functions of this important political organ are thoughtfully revealed.' Sean D. Murphy, Manatt/Ahn Professor of International Law, George Washington University; Member, U.N. International Law Commission

The UN Security Council and International Law explores the legal powers, limits and potential of the United Nations Security Council, offering a broadly positive (and positivist) account of the Council's work in practice. This book aims to answer questions such as 'when are Council decisions binding and on whom?', 'what legal constraints exist on Council decision making?' and 'how far is the Council bound by international law?'. Defining the controlling legal rules and differentiating between what the Council can do, as opposed to what it should do as a matter of policy, this book offers both a tool for assessment of the Council as well as realistic solutions to address its deficiencies, and, most importantly, evaluates its potential for maintaining international peace and security, to the benefit of us all.

Introduction
1. The legal nature of the security council
2. Decisions of the security council
3. The powers of the security Council
4. Possible limits in the powers of the security council
5. The security council and measures not involving the use of force
6. The security council and the use of force
7. The security council, international organizations and the use of force
8. The security council and the international court of justice
9. The security council's contribution to the development of international law
Conclusions.

Subject Areas: International organisations & institutions [LBBU], Public international law [LBB], International law [LB], International relations [JPS]