This book explores the scope and limits of what is appropriate for regional action in the maintenance of peace and security. It offers a comparative study of legal regulation of the use of force in the maintenance of peace and security of different security regions in the context of the UN system and general international law. The book examines the post-Cold War legal documents and practice of the regional organizations of six security regions of the world (Africa, Asia, the Americas, the Middle East, the Russian sphere of influence and the Euro-Atlantic region), and in doing so offers a unique international and comparative perspective towards regional characteristics that may influence the possibility for coherent action in a UN context. Dace Winther explores the controversial topics of regional humanitarian intervention and robust regional peacekeeping without a UN mandate, what is regarded as appropriate for regional action in different security regions of the world, and if the approaches of the regions differ, what factors could have an influence. The book is highly relevant in a global climate where regional mechanisms take an ever more active part in the maintenance of international peace and security, including the use of force. The book will be of great interest to students and academics of International Law, International Relations and Security Studies.

"Part I describes and analyses the ESDP, including all 22 military and civilian crisis management operations launched up to 31 August 2009 as well as developments under the Lisbon Treaty, and briefly discusses the international law issues raised, offering a unique insight into ESDP practice and its legal aspects. Part II examines this practice in the framework of the status and obligations of international organizations under international law: it looks at the legal status and personality of international organizations and of the EU as well as at how international organizations, including the EU, are bound by international obligations. Part III extensively addresses the international law applicable to the conduct of ESDP operations, in particular the law of armed conflict and international human rights law, filling a gap in the literature."--Jacket back cover.

With cyberspace becoming a domain of inter-state conflict and confrontation, this book is one of the first studies of the ways in which international law can facilitate the peaceful settlement of inter-state cyber disputes. By employing theoretical and practical inquiries and analysis, the book examines the legal parameters of cyber dispute settlement; explores critical questions about the role of dispute settlement institutions and methods; and identifies and addresses related challenges. The book begins by considering the legal definition of a cyber dispute and the scope of the good faith obligation of states in settling their cyber disputes peacefully. It then examines the role of certain institutions (International Court of Justice, national courts, the EU, the Security Council) and methods (judicial, diplomatic, countermeasures, arbitration, conciliation, fact-finding) in the settlement of cyber disputes. It also discusses how data disputes can be settled and whether new and specialised mechanisms are needed. The book provides scholars, practitioners and law students with immediate knowledge and understanding of the role of international law in the peaceful settlement of cyber disputes, as well as how international dispute settlement as a discipline and practice can apply to this new field.

Cogen (international law, Ghent U., Belgium) presents an overview of the history and current status of international law. Chapters discuss the sources of international law, the history of international law, states and territories, the rights and responsibilities of states, the global commons, international organizations, the individual, diplomatic and consular law, the law of treaties, and the laws regarding armed activities. The focus of the work is on the straightforward presentation of the principles and rules of international law in these key areas.--