Leuven Global Governance series – serie

This forward-thinking book provides a comprehensive overview of the expanding and fragmented landscape of global governance. Analyzing the shifting role of international organizations within this framework, it demonstrates the implications of growing uncertainty for global coordination and orchestration.Expert authors explore diverse global governance institutions and their interactions against the background of the proliferation of public, private, and hybrid organizations. Chapters investigate how norm contestation, the rapidly rising importance of private actors, and the influence of emerging powers are reshaping governance dynamics. They critique traditional, state-centered institutions and emphasize the need for sector-specific and issue-driven analyses accounting for both structural and systemic dimensions. Including case examples, and future research directions, the book equips readers with tools to navigate and understand the tensions and opportunities that shape global governance today.This book is a crucial resource for scholars and students of international relations, international law, European and international studies, and global governance. Practitioners and policymakers in international organizations and other global governance institutions will also benefit from its practical and theoretical insights.

This incisive book explores the opportunities and challenges of implementing inclusive rule-making processes in international organisations (IOs). Expert authors examine the impact of inclusiveness across a wide range of organisations and policy issues, from climate change and peace and security to energy governance and securities regulation. Chapters combine novel academic research with insights from IO practitioners to identify ways of making rule-making more inclusive, building on the ongoing work of the Partnership of International Organisations for Effective International Rule-Making. They utilise both qualitative and quantitative research methods to analyse the functions and consequences of inclusive rule-making; mechanisms for citizen participation; and the challenges of engaging with private actors and for-profit stakeholders. Ultimately, the book highlights key strategies for maintaining favourable public perceptions and trust in international institutions, emphasizing the importance of making rule-making more accountable, legitimate and accessible.Academics and students in international law, political science, regulation and governance, organisational studies and international relations will greatly benefit from the innovative frameworks and empirical analyses presented in this book. It is also an invaluable resource for practitioners and policy-makers working in IOs, national governments and non-state stakeholders.

China, the European Union and Global Governance examines the key determinants of European and Chinese approaches to the restructuring of global governance systems. Using a multidisciplinary method, this collection of chapters analyzes four distinct fields that are key for both China and the EU and in the development of their relations and future cooperation: the global trading system, the international monetary system, climate and energy policy and international security. In the context of China's growing role in global governance and of EU-China cooperation, these contributions emphasize strategies, prospects and objectives of both actors. They outline possible avenues for an enhanced partnership in light of the changing global order, which implies a rethinking of the existing multilateral structures. This interdisciplinary study will appeal to researchers and scholars interested in global governance, European foreign policy, Chinese foreign policy, EU China relations, as well as trade, the international economy and climate change policies. Postgraduate students in international relations, international political economy, European studies and Chinese studies, as well as policymakers in the areas of external relations and EU-China relations, will also find much to interest them in this book. Contributors: M. Aglietta, E. Atanassova-Cornelis, D. Belis, Q. Bo, H. Bruyninckx, B. Buijs, M. Burnay, P.-f. Chang, J. Chen, R.N. Cooper, H. Cuyckens, J.-C. Defraigne, P. Defraigne, T. de Wilde d'Estmael, J.P. Panda, S. Plasschaert, S. Schunz, B. Snoy, L. van Geuns, X. Wang, Y. Wang, J. Wouters, C.-H. Wu

Globalization needs effective global governance. The important question of whether this governance can also become democratic is, however, the subject of a political and academic debate that began only recently. This multidisciplinary book aims to move this conversation forward by drawing on insights from international relations, political theory, international law and international political economy. Focusing on global environmental, economic, security and human rights governance, it sheds new light on the democratic deficit of existing global governance structures, and proposes a number of tools to overcome it.This book will be required reading for researchers, academics and students with an interest in political science and law, and indeed anyone concerned with the future of global governance.Contributors: E. Bécault, S. Bijlmakers, A. Braeckman, C. Carroll, K. Chan, C. Crombez, H. Hazenberg, T. Heysse, M. Lievens, A. Mulieri, G. van Calster, S. Van Kerckhoven, T.G. Weiss, J. Wouters

The Governance of Climate Relations between Europe and Asia offers a thorough empirical study of the most fundamental dynamics involved in EU climate relations with China and Vietnam in the context of global climate governance.This book presents a study of the most important governance processes in current EU-Asia climate relations. It focuses on in-depth empirical case studies, offering a comprehensive relational perspective. Contributions on China cover the most essential issues, interests and actors, while the inquiry of EU-Vietnam relations mainly focuses on the Clean Development Mechanism as the main channel of bilateral climate action.This landmark study will appeal to both policymakers and practitioners faced with the extraordinary task of managing the increasingly complex and multilevel interactions of current EU-Asia climate relations as well as global carbon market watchers and professionals dealing with emissions trading in the European Union, China and Vietnam. It will also be of interest to scholars and postgraduate students of international relations, Chinese and EU foreign policy, global environmental and climate governance and international law.Contributors: K. Bachus, D. Belis, H. Bruyninckx, V.H. Bui, J. Cao, P.-f. Chang, M.D. Dang, L. De Smet, J. Delbeke, T.N.B. Dinh, A.H. Nguyen, B.T. Nguyen, Q.T. Nguyen, Y. Qi, S. Schunz, T.T.H. Tran, S. Van Eynde

When does a state measure become subject to compensation as an indirect expropriation under international law? The author examines claims of indirect takings from such fora as the Iran-United States Claims Tribunal, the European Court of Human Rights, and arbitral panels in investment treaty arbitrations.Sebastián López Escarcena offers a comprehensive coverage of the history and main concepts of the international law of expropriation. The interaction between human rights conventions and investment treaties are analysed from a global perspective, providing the reader with a unique insight into expropriation at an international level. Within the course of his examination, the author illuminates important concepts of public law, from deprivation of property to payment of compensation, and from margin of appreciation to proportionality.In examining in detail the case law of different international tribunals, this shrewd book formulates some insightful answers to the threshold question, and will be of great interest to decision-makers in investment treaty arbitrations, to legal practitioners, state officers and scholars in international investment law and international human rights law, and to anyone dealing with international and comparative law in general.

International and supranational courts are increasingly central to the development of a transnational rule of law. Except for insiders, the functioning and impact of these courts remain largely unknown. Addressing this gap, this innovative book examines the manner in which and the extent to which international courts and tribunals contribute to the rule of law at the national, regional, and international levels.With unique insights from members of the international judiciary, this authoritative book deals with the fundamental procedural and substantive legal principles, sources, tools of interpretation, and enforcement used by the respective judicial bodies. The rule of law-focused approach offers a unique opportunity for a thorough cross-case analysis of the differences and commonalities in the essential contributions of the respective courts and tribunals to international justice. The book also includes an in-depth theoretical framework and allows for the identification of fundamental principles and commonalities, as well as differences and contrasts between the different judicial bodies.In addition to students, researchers and scholars in international law, this timely and comprehensive study of international courts and their contributions will be an enlightening resource for legal practitioners and those involved with international justice.Contributors include: S. Brammertz, A.A.Cançado Trindade, K. Chan, A.-L. Chané, B. Concolino, P. Couvreur, G. De Baere, A. Follesdal, D. Fransen, P. Gautier, P. Lemmens, K. Lenaerts, P. Van den Bossche, H. Van Houtte, J. Wouters

China, the European Union and the Developing World provides a comparative analysis of Chinese and EU influence across five different regions of the developing world: Asia-Pacific; South and Central Asia; the Middle East and North Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; and Latin America.While there is broad acknowledgement that the importance of China is rising across the developing world, this book offers a comprehensive and comparative account of the relative increase of the Chinese presence in the various different regions. It highlights its impact on the relationship between the EU and the developing world regions and shows how the rise of China affects the relations between these regions and Europe.This comprehensive study will appeal to researchers and scholars interested in global governance, European foreign policy, Chinese foreign policy, EU-China relations, as well as trade compared with developing countries around the world. Students of European studies and Chinese studies, as well as policymakers in the areas of external relations and EU-China relations, will also find this book a useful guide.Contributors: C. Alden, E. Atanassova-Cornelis, L. Barber, B. Barton, U.S. Bava, F. Bossuyt, M. Burnay, D. Camroux, A. de Bellefroid, J.-C. Defraigne, K. Fachqoul, B. Kabamba, T. Pairault, C. Portella, J. Schottli, R.B. St. John, G. Verhulst, W. Wang, K. Weber, S. Wintgens, J. Wouters

A 'new generation' of EU trade policies aims to advance public goods such as promoting sustainable development, protecting human rights and enhancing governance in third states. The pursuit of these objectives raises important questions regarding coherence, effectiveness, legitimacy and extraterritoriality. In Global Governance through Trade leading scholars from different disciplines address these topical questions.The book contains a comprehensive analysis of the concept of governing through trade and investigates how the EU 'exports' regulation through conditional market access regulation, bilateral trade agreements and unilateral trade policy. Several case studies complement the general analysis and provide an in-depth assessment of the European Union's new trade policies.This multidisciplinary book will be an enlightening read for a wide-ranging audience encompassing academics, policymakers, policy analysts and students of, amongst others, trade law and policy, global governance, sustainable development, human rights and labor standards.Contributors: L. Bartels, L. Beke, N.A.J. Croquet, C. Damro, D. Geraets, N. Hachez, M. Koekkoek, J. Larik, R. Leal-Arcas, A. Marx, P.C. Mavroidis, B. Natens, C. Ryngaert, J. Soares, G. van Calster, C.M. Wilmarth, J. Wouters, J. Yap

Stories and images of collapsed factories, burned down sweatshops, imprisoned migrant workers, child workers and many other violations of internationally recognized labour rights continue to spread across the globe. This highly topical book examines the different instruments which are intended to protect labour rights on a transnational scale, and asks whether they make a difference.With perspectives from law, management, sociology, political science and political economy, the topics discussed include the protection of international labour rights in a globalizing economy, the EU's social dimension in its external trade relations, Asian and US perspectives on labour rights in international trade agreements, the role of (trade) unions in global labour governance and the transformative capacity of private labour governance regimes.Academics and advanced students from different disciplines will benefit from the up-to-date empirical material in this study. Policymakers, NGOs and Unions will find the discussions of the instruments used to protect labour rights of great value to their work.Contributors: L. Beke, R.C. Brown, R. Cörvers, Y. Dahan, J. Donaghey, P. Glasbergen, F. Hendrickx, D. Klink, S. Koch-Baumgarten, M. Kryst, H. Lerner, A. Marx, F. Milman-Sivan, A.-G. 'Tobi' Oshodi, P. Pecinovsky, C. Pekdemir, G. Rayp, J. Reinecke, J. Soares, W. Van Acker, L. Van den Putte, P. van der Heijden, S. Velluti, J. Wouters, R. Zandvliet

Commercial Uses of Space and Space Tourism combines the perspectives of academics, policy makers and major industry players around three central themes: the international legal challenges posed by the dramatic changes to the spacefaring landscape; the corresponding legal and regulatory responses to these challenges at the national level; and topical questions of global space governance.Chapters cover emerging activities in commercial spacefaring, including space tourism and space transportation, and identify the regulatory issues that may arise in the absence of a clear boundary between airspace and outer space. By taking a pragmatic, inductive approach, the book aims to breathe new life into the discussion of the air–space boundary, while informing readers about the many exciting recent developments in commercial spacefaring.This book will appeal to lecturers, academics and students in space law and air law, as well as policy makers and industry practitioners involved in the regulation of orbital and suborbital commercial spaceflight, both manned and unmanned.Contributors include: P. De Man, M. Gold, A. Harrington, C. Hearsey, T. Herman, A. Kerrest, J.-B. Marciacq, J.-F. Mayence, W. Munters, D.P. Murray, K. Nyman-Metcalf, L.J. Smith, A. Soucek, J. Stubbs, S. Wood, J. Wouters

This unique book presents an in-depth analysis of the provision of legal advice at international organizations. It elucidates the dual role of legal advisers as representatives of their organization and as international civil servants acting as protectors and promoters of international law.Analysing the effects of internal and external factors on the work of advisers, including organizational specificity, political influences, and institutional position, this book identifies and examines common legal practices across organizations. Chapters discuss case studies of legal advisers working at various global organizations, including the United Nations, the European Union, UNESCO, the World Health Organization and the World Bank Group, as well as regional and cross-regional organizations such as NATO and the European Space Agency. Contributors emphasise the importance of collegiality and networking between legal advisers and analyse the differences in the delivery of legal services within both governmental and private contexts.Presenting a broad perspective on the work of legal advisers at international organizations, this book will be vital reading for students, scholars, and practitioners of global governance, international law and political science. It will also be beneficial to legal advisers working for international organizations, lawyers, politicians and sociologists.

This groundbreaking book offers a compelling articulation of the right of access to justice for individuals facing human rights violations by international organizations. Following an examination of the human rights obligations of a variety of international organizations, the author scrutinizes their dispute settlement mechanisms as well as the conflict between their immunities and the right of access to justice before national jurisdictions.Highlighting recent examples, such as the cholera outbreak in Haiti, this book reveals how individual victims of human rights violations by international organizations are frequently left in the cold, due to the lack of an independent, impartial dispute settlement mechanism before which they can file such claims. Considering both global mechanisms and current mechanisms established by international organisations such as administrative jurisdictions for employment-related disputes, Pierre Schmitt finds that they either are not competent or that they have a limited scope. He concludes by offering normative proposals addressed both to international organizations and to national judges confronted with such cases. Offering a wealth of empirical and practical wisdom, this book will appeal to scholars in public international law and human rights. It is also a must-read for practitioners, judges and legal advisers working in the field and will prove a useful tool for national authorities negotiating immunity conventions with international organizations.

Regulating Shale Gas discusses the regulatory context of shale gas in the European Union and draws conclusions on the EU's broader approach towards the regulation of new technologies. Providing the first dedicated examination of the overall regulatory context of shale gas in the EU, Leonie Reins reveals how the EU's new constitutional setup after the Lisbon Treaty has complicated rather than facilitated the EU's quest for a common energy policy. Shale gas has already transformed the energy outlook in the United States, but despite high expectations, exploration has failed to take off fully in the EU. This book investigates the reasons for this failure, as well as other related developments impacting both energy and environmental law, by highlighting the essential elements of coherent regulation of technologies. It further analyses other cross-cutting issues relating to the environmental and energy supply security challenges and offers insights into the regulation of the different sectors and the most topical developments. The regulation of shale gas is set to become an increasingly important issue, receiving attention of energy and environmental legal scholars, politicians and industry worldwide. This book will also appeal to legal practitioners seeking expertise in the law and policy of shale gas extraction in the EU.

'In a period marked by nationalism and populism, the relevance of the roles played by parliaments is sometimes underestimated and rather deserves greater attention. The book edited by Raube, Wouters and Muftuler-Bac gathers a group of leading scholars in the field of parliamentary studies and contributes to bridge a gap in a very sensitive policy field, that is to say the external relations of the European Union. A wide list of approaches and theoretical and empirical investigations demonstrates that, despite the dominant influence of the executive branches of government, not only networking of parliaments has enlarged, but also traditional and innovative roles, i.e. control and conflict mediation, have been amplifled and diversified. Therefore, parliaments are far from being put aside.'- Daniela Irrera, EuropeNow This insightful companion examines the role of parliaments in the external relations of the EU, a relatively under-explored topic of research in an increasingly complex international relations environment. In fact, this volume challenges the dominant perspective, demonstrating the increased networking of parliaments both within the EU and with external actors, shedding light on the growing role of parliamentary scrutiny, control and conflict mediation. Providing a comparative overview of parliamentary action in EU external relations, this book considers both the conceptual basis of these actions and examines key case studies for empirical analysis. It situates the EU's internal and external dimension of parliamentary cooperation in a wider context, engaging in a debate that goes beyond the EU into relationships with neighbouring regions as well as parliamentary institutions from other areas of the globe. Advanced students and researchers of EU external relations and global governance will greatly benefit from reading this timely book. At the same time, international relations and political science scholars will also appreciate this thorough and comprehensive volume.Contributors include: M.A. Afke Groen, M.A.H.K. Belley, K. Biedenkopf, T. Christiansen, A. Cianciara, I. Cooper, R. Cutler, M.A.F. De Vrieze, S. Delputte, I. Demirsu, M.A.D. Fonck, J.E. Fossum, D. Fromage, M. Gianniou, M. Góra, M.A.C. Glahn, S. Gürkan, D. Jan i , T. Lenz, C. Lord, M. Müftüler-Baç, G.G. Müller, X. Nuttin, L. Oehman, D. Peters, M.A.I. Petrova, K. Raube, L. Redei, G. Rosén, Z. Selden, M.A. Shaohua Yan, S. Stavridis, A. von Lingen, W. Wagner, J. Wódka, J. Wouters

Building upon an understanding of the rule of law as an ‘'essentially contested concept’', this insightful book investigates the historical, political, and legal foundations of the Chinese perspectives on the rule of law at both a national and international level.In particular, chapters focus on China’s impact on global trade and security governance. These case studies enable conclusions to be drawn regarding China’'s more general perspectives on the international rule of law as a concept. Offering a thorough analysis of EU-China relationships, the book highlights the prospects and challenges for a meaningful dialogue on the rule of law and the international rule of law. In doing so, it illustrates the merits of the rule of law as a concept to engage in meaningful dialogues across a myriad of legal and political systems.This book will hold particular appeal for students and scholars of Chinese Law, International Law, EU-China Relations, and legal theory. Policy makers will also find this a stimulating read as the work aims to build both academic and policy bridges between the Western and Chinese conceptions on the rule of law at both national and international levels.

This timely book explores the relationship between Japan and the European Union as they work increasingly closely together in many areas of global governance. It discusses the most salient areas of such cooperation from a range of perspectives, while examining not just convergences but also differences.Written by experts from both Europe and Japan, interdisciplinary chapters investigate both actors' current approaches to global governance and multilateralism as well as providing a historical perspective on their bilateral relations. The book explores their cooperation in areas stretching from trade and finance to security in light of the recent EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement and Strategic Partnership Agreement. Offering insights into their current relationship, it outlines challenges for the future, and draws relevant lessons from the history of global governance in Asia and Europe.Scholars of Asian and European law with an interest in international governance and regulation, and particularly those working in EU-Japan affairs, will find this a significant and stimulating read. It will also be useful for policy-makers in the EU and Japan working in international security, trade, and economic, monetary and financial policy.

'Whereas the existing literature generally studies small-scale commons, this challenging book boldly - and successfully - engages in extrapolating this cooperation-based governance model to global resources. From democratic perspectives to institutional construction, its many contributions, written by prominent scholars in the field of commons or international law, critically introduce and renew the radical notion of commons and collective action by citizens, as vehicles for democratization, in global governance and international public law.'- Séverine Dusollier, Sciences Po Law School, France'Can we devise new systems of law and governance to support commons at the global level? This thoughtful collection of essays explores how we might address this vital challenge for humanity in the years ahead.'- David Bollier, Schumacher Center for a New Economics, USGiven the new-found importance of the commons in current political discourse, it has become increasingly necessary to explore the democratic, institutional and legal implications of the commons for global governance today. This book analyses and explores the ground-breaking model of the commons and its relation to these debates. Featuring original contributions from renowned scholars across the globe and analysis of Elinor Ostrom's fundamental work, this interdisciplinary book is organized into three main areas of inquiry: the commons as vehicles for the democratization of global governance, the role played by commons-based institutions in global governance and a more normative interrogation around what international law ought to look like to support the commons. Provocative and critical ideas about the current system of global governance act as a stimulus to explore further research and activism in the commons.The first of its kind to offer a specific focus on the commons and global governance, this much-needed book will prove invaluable for academics in the humanities and social sciences including economists, political philosophers, political scientists and legal scholars. It will also appeal to policy-makers, concerned members of civil society and commons activists.Contributors include: M. Bauwens, M. Beerkens, C. Boonen, N. Brando, J. Brunnée, S. Cogolati, C. Crombez, P. Dardot, T. De Moor, H. De Schutter, O. De Schutter, M. Deleixhe, T.R. Eimer, M. Groff, R. Hagen, S. Karlsson-Vinkhuyzen, U. Mattei, P. Sauvêtre, J. Wouters

This thought-provoking book addresses the legal questions raised by the nexus between the rule of law and areas of limited statehood, in which the State lacks the ability to exercise the full depth of its governmental authority. Working from an international law perspective, it examines the implications of limited statehood for the traditional State-based framing of the international legal order.Featuring original contributions written by renowned international scholars, chapters investigate key issues arising at the junction between domestic and international rule of law and areas of limited statehood, as well as the alternative modes of governance that develop therein, both with and without the approval of the State. Contributors discuss the impact of contested sovereignty on the rule of law, international responsibility with regard to rebel governance in these areas, and the consequences of limited statehood for international peace and security.This book will be useful for students and scholars of international law and international relations, particularly those working on sovereignty and statehood, non-state actors, State responsibility, and the rule of law. It will also appeal to practitioners and policy-makers working in these same fields in either State or global governance apparatus.

In the post-9/11 era, the nexus between organized crime and terrorism has raised much concern and has been widely discussed in both academic and policy circles, but is still largely misunderstood. This critical book contributes innovatively to the debate by distinguishing three types of nexus—interaction, transformation/imitation and similarities—and identifying the promoting factors of each type.With its multifaceted but complementary chapters, the book provides conceptual and theoretical frameworks for readers, as well as the evidence needed to develop more realistic, effective and humane policies to tackle organized crime, terrorism and the nexuses between them. Bringing together a range of international multidisciplinary specialists, it includes three comparative analyses of worldwide transfers of personnel, weapons and money between organized crime and terrorism and 12 case studies examining local manifestations of the nexus in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. Two other chapters further review the national, European and international policies adopted and implemented so far to deal with the different nexuses.This book will be a valuable resource for researchers and policymakers in the fields of comparative law, criminal law and justice and public policy, who specialize in the analysis and control of organized crime and terrorism. It will also appeal to senior law enforcement officials and practitioners due to the counterintuitive policy implications drawn from the comparative analysis of the findings.

This timely book examines the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), assessing its effect on the international economic order and global governance more broadly. Through a variety of qualitative case studies the book investigates the implementation of the BRI and evaluates its development outcomes both for China and the countries it interacts with under the initiative, along with its international implications.Chapters discuss as-yet-unexplored cases from the ground in brand new studies based on fieldwork by leading academics, as well as providing alternative readings of the rationale behind the BRI. Questions about connectivity and the financial implications of Chinese investments are addressed, taking a balanced approach that demonstrates the complexity and nuance of these issues, and the far-from-linear impact that the BRI is having on global governance.This incisive book will be critical reading for scholars and policy makers working on China and global governance. It will also provide useful insights for officials and practitioners working in BRI countries and international institutions, think-tanks and NGOs.Contributors include: M.A. Carrai, J.-C. Defraigne, J.-F. Di Meglio, D. Freeman, F. Godement, A. Halegua, N. Kassenova, C.-C. Kuik, C. Ljungwall, S. Nanwani, T. Pairault, U. Wissenbach, J. Wouter

This incisive book provides key interdisciplinary perspectives on the current challenges faced by EU policymakers in framing and implementing a coherent European industrial policy, employing specific case studies from the digital, automotive, steel and defence industries as well as concrete examples of EU policies. Comprehensive and analytical, the book investigates the long-term structural causes of the absence of a strong industrial policy at Union level. Examining the tensions that exist between member states and EU institutions regarding industrial and competition policies, expert contributions assess the conditions for an integrated EU industrial policy to emerge. A comparative analysis between the industrial policies of the EU, US and China is developed as chapters explore how the EU maintains its position in global value chains while other major partners are forced to pursue strategic trade and industrial policies to retain their dominant position. The book concludes with a presentation of prospective scenarios to assess the future technological evolution of the EU. EU Industrial Policy in the Multipolar Economy will be an essential resource for academics and practitioners concerned with EU current affairs, global governance, industrial economics and international trade. Its use of case studies and original data will allow governments, EU institutions, NGOs and EU public affairs consultants and analysts to assess their policymaking options in the fields of research, industrial policy and sustainable development.

Building a thorough and comprehensive understanding of the limits of the international rules-based liberal order across a variety of issue areas, this topical book highlights how the discourse and values inherent in these long-established political arrangements are now facing a backlash.Leading scholars examine how, with a greater dispersion of power and heterogeneity of preferences, Europe navigates a system characterized by a growing deadlock in major international institutions and a lack of compliance with international rules on global governance. Chapters analyse the challenges within international organizations and the international order itself, where the global balance of power is shifting towards a multipolar system. Challenges explored include populist-nationalist movements; rising geopolitical tensions; and growing inequality, political polarization and diminishing trust in political institutions. With the pull of global competition and rising power politics, the book identifies the limits to multilateral cooperation and the shortfalls of the traditional state-based liberal order in addressing global problems, finding a need for more diversity in governance structures to deal with increased connectivity and interdependence.Multi-disciplinary in scope, this forward-thinking book will prove vital to students and scholars of international relations, politics, and law, particularly those interested in the contestation and polarization in global governance, European responses to these challenges, and the transformation of the international liberal order.

This insightful book offers a critical reflection on the sustainability and effectiveness of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and its legacy over the last 70 years. Exploring the problems surrounding universality, proliferation and costs, it asks the provocative question, can we still afford human rights?Expert contributors illustrate the interdependence between these three key issues in an unprecedented way, addressing many of the contemporary criticisms voiced against the human rights system and the reasons for popular skepticism about human rights. In order to interrogate the deficiencies of the UDHR, chapters analyse the following questions: Can and should we keep claiming that human rights are universal? Is their proliferation rendering human rights meaningless? And have human rights become too costly? The book concludes that there is a pressing need for a renewed and lasting commitment to human rights. We cannot afford not to afford human rights.This book will be a valuable resource for academics and students of international relations, the political sciences and comparative legal studies. Covering policy and advocacy issues as well as the evolution of case law regarding particular human rights, it will also be beneficial for policy-makers and human rights practitioners.