Beyond Bilateralism: A Theory of State Responsibility for Breaches of Nonbilateral Obligations

This book reimagines responsibility in international law, establishing the concept of nonbilateral responsibility as an objective legal situation generated by the commission of an internationally wrongful act. It examines the nature, operation and impact of this new form of responsibility, exploring its deep consequences for the legal system.

Responding to the increasingly nonbilateralist nature of international law, the book argues that the legal model of state obligations is outdated. It draws on legal theory, the law of state responsibility and international dispute settlement mechanisms to outline nonbilateral responsibility as a structurally distinct concept. The book covers the incompatibility of current legal systems with the idea of nonbilateral responsibility in areas such as environmental and human rights law, and analyses complex developments towards nonbilateral obligations. Ultimately, it offers a fresh look at the nature of international legal responsibility, addressing foundational questions in international law.

Providing an accessible overview of the key issues surrounding nonbilateral obligations and responsibility, Beyond Bilateralism is an essential resource for students and scholars of international law and legal theory. It will also be of interest to legal practitioners interested in the future of state obligations.