The Emergence of Transnational Constitutionalism: Its Features, Challenges and Solutions

36 Pages Posted: 9 Jul 2010

See all articles by Jiunn-Rong Yeh

Jiunn-Rong Yeh

National Taiwan University

Wen-Chen Chang

National Taiwan University College of Law; National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Law

Date Written: September 1, 2008

Abstract

Globalization and regional remapping have made unprecedented challenges to traditional understandings of constitutional and international laws. Not only constitutions may function across national borders but also international treaties and regional cooperative frameworks may deliver constitutional or quasi-constitutional functions. This paper aims at theorizing recent developments of transnational constitutionalism by examining its features, functions and characteristics. We find that transnational constitutionalism features transnational constitutional arrangements, transnational judicial dialogues and global convergence of national constitutions. Notwithstanding main functions in facilitating a global market, the development of transnational constitutionalism nevertheless undermines accountability, democracy and rule of law at both domestic and transnational levels. However, this paper proposes both domestic and transnational institutional checks and balances as solutions. It argues for a complex of domestic and transnational institutional interactions as functional checks and balances with transnational constitutionalism.

Keywords: constitutionalism, transnationalism, internationalization, international human rights, globalization

JEL Classification: K33

Suggested Citation

Yeh, Jiunn-Rong and Chang, Wen-Chen, The Emergence of Transnational Constitutionalism: Its Features, Challenges and Solutions (September 1, 2008). Penn State International Law Review, Vol. 27, No. 1, 2008, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1636163

Jiunn-Rong Yeh

National Taiwan University ( email )

1 Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road
Taipei 106, 106
Taiwan

Wen-Chen Chang (Contact Author)

National Taiwan University College of Law ( email )

1 Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road
Taipei 106, 106
Taiwan
886-2-3366-8948 (Phone)
886-2-2368-1874 (Fax)

National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Law ( email )

National chiao tung university, 1001 university ro
Hsinchu, 1001
Taiwan

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