How International Law Works: A Rational Choice Theory - Softcover

Guzman, Andrew T.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0199739285 ISBN 13: 9780199739288

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2010

Synopsis

How International Law Works presents a comprehensive theory of international law by uniquely applying social-science models and ideas to the field. In recent years, appeals to "international law" have become increasingly central in international disputes. Yet despite the enhanced importance of international law, there is no well-developed set of theories on the ways in which international law shapes policy outcomes. Utilizing rational choice theory, Andrew Guzman assumes that states behave rationally and selfishly: At the heart of their compliance with international law is the basic fact that a failure to live up to legal obligations today will impact a country's ability to extract concessions in the future. A violation will also generate a costly loss of "reputation." By highlighting the rationality of states, Guzman explains that a proper understanding of how international law functions can help resolve some--but not all--of the persistent problems that plague relations between nations. Covering a wide range of disputes between countries, How International Works provides a thoroughgoing guide to the complexities of international law.

About this title

About the Author

Andrew T. Guzman is Professor of Law and Director of the International Legal Studies Program at Boalt Hall School of Law, at the University of California, Berkeley. He has written extensively on international trade, international regulatory matters, foreign direct investment and public international law and has published in law, economics, and political science journals.

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0199739285
• ISBN 13: 9780199739288
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 272