Flexibility in International Agreements

INTERDISCIPLINARY PERSPECTIVES ON INTERNATIONAL LAW AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, Jeffrey Dunoff & Mark A. Pollack, eds., Cambridge University Press, 2013, pp. 175-196

23 Pages Posted: 19 Sep 2011 Last revised: 25 Dec 2014

See all articles by Laurence R. Helfer

Laurence R. Helfer

Duke University School of Law; University of Copenhagen - iCourts - Centre of Excellence for International Courts

Date Written: January 3, 2013

Abstract

This chapter is a contribution to the forthcoming edited volume INTERNATIONAL LAW AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: TAKING STOCK (Jeffrey Dunoff & Mark A. Pollack eds., Cambridge University Press 2012). The chapter provides an overview of flexibility mechanisms in international agreements and the role of such mechanisms in promoting or inhibiting international cooperation. Part I reviews the many flexibility devices available to treaty makers. It divides these tools into two broad categories: formal mechanisms (such as reservations, escape clauses, and withdrawal provisions) and informal practices (such as auto-interpretation, nonparticipation, and noncompliance). Part II reviews the international law and international relations scholarship on the design and use of treaty flexibility mechanisms, focusing on studies of exit and escape clauses. Part III highlights several conclusions that emerge from the burgeoning literature on treaty flexibility and suggests avenues for future research.

Suggested Citation

Helfer, Laurence R., Flexibility in International Agreements (January 3, 2013). INTERDISCIPLINARY PERSPECTIVES ON INTERNATIONAL LAW AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, Jeffrey Dunoff & Mark A. Pollack, eds., Cambridge University Press, 2013, pp. 175-196, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1930379

Laurence R. Helfer (Contact Author)

Duke University School of Law ( email )

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HOME PAGE: http://law.duke.edu/fac/helfer/

University of Copenhagen - iCourts - Centre of Excellence for International Courts ( email )

University of Copenhagen Faculty of Law
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Copenhagen S, DK-2300
Denmark

HOME PAGE: http://jura.ku.dk/icourts/

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