Advanced Introduction to the Law of International Organizations: (Elgar Advanced Introductions series)

Elgar Advanced Introductions are stimulating and thoughtful introductions to major fields in the social sciences and law, expertly written by the world's leading scholars. Designed to be accessible yet rigorous, they offer concise and lucid surveys of the substantive and policy issues associated with discrete subject areas.This highly readable introduction gives a nuanced overview of the legal mechanisms behind the operation of international organizations such as the UN, the EU and the World Bank. It offers perceptive insights by placing the law of international organizations in a political context and presents a systematic discussion of a variety of relevant legal notions, ranging from the powers of international organizations to mechanisms of accountability. Written by a leading authority on the topic, it provides a concise and accessible examination of this developing facet of international law. Key features include: Well-written and clearly organized arguments Up-to-date with the latest developments A focus on the bigger picture, rather than any one detail Discusses law in a global context.

Table of Contents:
Contents: 1. The Concept of International Organization 2. The Legal Existence of International Organizations 3. International Organizations and Their Members 4. Standard-setting by International Organizations 5. Organs and Their Decisions 6. Accountability 7. External Relations 8. Re-thinking the Law of International Organizations Index

About the Author :
Jan Klabbers, Erik Castrén Institute, Faculty of Law, University of Helsinki, Finland

Review :
‘This book constitutes another brick in the impressive oeuvre of Jan Klabbers, whose work on the law of international organisations has undoubtedly contributed to give depth and room for critical reflection to what otherwise looks like a dry aggregation of practices and institutional arrangements. This inspiring presentation of the subject - which is anything but introductory - simultaneously remains an accessible read for all researchers, teachers, students and practitioners as it is written with the thought-provoking but elegant style which its author is famous for.’ ‘Written by one of the world’s leading academics in the field of the law of international organizations, this book provides what it claims to offer. It is an introduction as it gives in a nutshell an easy-to-read general overview. It is advanced in the sense that it is written on the basis of profound knowledge of the field, and it has an excellent bibliography for those who want more. Like Rembrandt in his later works, Jan Klabbers is painting with broad strokes, in his own style, providing those who are not experts in the field a modern framework for better understanding international organizations and their law.’ ‘International organizations are a major factor in world affairs and in all areas of human collaboration. This book is a valuable resource next to existing textbooks and treatises on international institutional law. It offers a concise and engaging account of the role of international organisations and, in clear language, sets out what is the legal framework for their manifold activities and political operations. Great reading, and the essential introduction to international organisations as political and legal actors in the world today.’ ‘This book offers far more than an introduction - even an advanced one. It is an essential tool for the understanding of, and further research on, international organizations. It is full of insight and original analysis.’