Introduction

There is a growing awareness that international law insufficiently protects common global interests and that States and non-State actors need to work together to protect global aims.

Focus of the Book

The focus of this book is on the different fields of international law where there is a need for global cooperation to achieve common aims, for example: the law of the sea; protection of world cultural heritage; sustainable development, biological diversity and climate change; human rights; and international crimes.

Legal Developments

The volume also identifies the legal developments which have taken place, for example treaties which use the language of ’common heritage of mankind’ or ’common concern of humanity’, thereby identifying global concerns and reflecting a global set of values and interests independent of the interests of States.