Introduction: Law, Non-Law and the Problem of ‘Soft Law’
This introductory chapter sets forth a framework for the present study, beginning with a discussion of the traditional characteristics of international law. It then looks at recent changes in the international system and the difficulties they pose for resolving problems through traditional international law-making, leading to a discussion of the role of law and the rule of law generally, including the importance of compliance. It suggests several hypotheses about the reasons states have recourse to non-binding norms and what may be expected from a study of compliance with them.
Keywords: international law, international legal system, law-making, rule of law, compliance
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