This course reviews the principles and rules underlying the post-war international economic order, in particular with respect to trade, money and finance and foreign investment, as well as its institutional pillars such as the Bretton Woods institutions and the World Trade Organization. Furthermore, the course reviews the role of international economic institutions, investment agreements, fisheries agreements and the use of economic instruments in pursuing sustainable development. Sustainable development has become a key concept for the 21st century and has been endorsed and recognised in a number of instruments of international law. Problems like global climate change, high pollution levels and depletion of living and non-living natural resources are becoming important restraints on the global economy. After successfully completing this course, the student has a thorough knowledge of and insight into the main elements of the current regulation of international economic relations and of the concept of sustainable development, including its current status in international law.
Study material:
Nico Schrijver, The Evolution of Sustainable Development in International Law: Inception, Meaning and Status (Hague Academy of International Law), Martinus Nijhoff Publishers, 2008.
Nico Schrijver, Development without Destruction: The UN and Global Resource Management. Indiana University Press, 2010.
Examination: Paper
Course dates: Lectures: Monday 21 March until 18 April from 10:00-13:00 hrs. Working groups: Thursday 24 March until 21 April from 15:00-17:00 hrs. Room nr A008, KOG, except for 31 March and 21 April, room nr still to be announced.