Unilateral Sanctions in International Law

This is the first book that explores whether there are any rules in international law applicable to unilateral sanctions and if so, what they are. The book examines both the lawfulness of unilateral sanctions and the limitations within which they should operate. In doing so, it includes an analysis of State practice, the provisions of various international legal instruments dealing with such sanctions and their impact on other areas of international law such as freedom of navigation, aviation and transit, and the principles of international trade, investment, regional economic integration, and the protection of human rights and the environment. This study finds that unilateral sanctions by a state or a group of states against another state as opposed to ‘smart’ or targeted sanctions of limited scope would be unlawful, unless they meet the procedural and substantive requirements stipulated in international law. Importantly, the book identifies and consolidates these requirements scattered in different areas of international law, including the additional rules of customary international law that have emerged out of the recent practice of States and that increase the limitations on the use of unilateral sanctions.

Table of Contents:
Introduction Surya P Subedi, University of Leeds, UK 1. The Status of Unilateral Sanctions in International Law Surya P Subedi, University of Leeds, UK 2. Shades of Grey: Autonomous Sanctions in the International Legal Order Nigel D White, University of Nottingham, UK 3. Unilateral Sanctions: Creating Chaos at Bargain Rates Joy Gordon, Loyola University, USA 4. The Implications of Unilateral Sanctions for the Freedom of Aviation Nick Grief, University of Kent, UK 5. Impact of Unilateral Sanctions on Regional Integration Treaties with Special Reference to the Gulf Cooperation Council Ali Abusedra, University of Hull, UK 6. The Effect of Unilateral Sanctions on the Foreign Investment Law Regime Nicolette Butler, University of Manchester, UK 7. The World Trade Organisation and Unilateral Sanctions: Prohibited or Possible? James Watson, European Energy Agency 8. Unilateral Sanctions, Universal Postal Union and State Responsibility Trisha Rajput, University of Gothenburg, Sweden 9. Unilateral Coercive Measures: Towards International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Louisa Ashley, Leeds Beckett University, UK 10. Maritime Lawfare: The Impact of Unilateral Sanctions on Navigation and Seaborne Trade Abhinayan Basu Bal, University of Gothenburg, Sweden 11. Can Unilateral Sanctions and International Environmental Obligations of States Coexist? Amrisha Pandey, Bhopal University, India 12. Use of Cyber Means to Enforce Unilateral Coercive Measures in International Law Abu Bakar Munir, University of Malaya, Malaysia, Ali Abusedra, University of Hull, UK, and Md. Toriqul Islam, Bangladesh University of Business and Technology 13. Conclusions: The Current Law on Unilateral Sanctions, Remedies against Unlawful Use of such Sanctions and Recommendations Surya P Subedi, University of Leeds, UK

About the Author :
Surya P Subedi KC is Professor of International Law at the University of Leeds, UK and Barrister at Three Stone Chambers, Lincoln’s Inn, London, UK.

Review :
This book stands as a comprehensive and indispensable resource for scholars, legal practitioners, and policymakers seeking a deep understanding of the legal, economic, and humanitarian implications of unilateral sanctions. The contributors provide unique insights into the complexities surrounding unilateral sanctions, addressing gaps in existing literature and offering fresh perspectives on the challenges posed by these measures. The strength of the book lies in its ability to bridge theoretical discussions and practical implications. The case studies enrich the discourse and provide valuable lessons for policymakers … Unilateral Sanctions in International Law is an invaluable contribution to the literature, providing a nuanced and thorough examination of a complex and evolving subject.