The Role(s) of Rules

Some Conceptual Clarifications

Bibliographic Data

ID4444006
AuthorsAnthony F Lang (0000-0002-9159-4451), Anthony Lang, Nicholas Rengger, Willard Walker (0000-0002-3356-8036, University of St Andrews), William Walker (University of St Andrews)
Year2006
Volume20
Issue3
Pages274-294
Publication date2006-09-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Relations (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0047-1178 • E-ISSN: 1741-2862
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/0047117806066704
OpenAlexW1993892090
LanguageEN
Citations received7

This article explores the various roles that rules play in international relations. The article responds to the current international situation in which rules are being contested by numerous agents in a range of issue areas. While rules, by their very nature, will result in conflicting interpretations in social and political realms, these disagreements at the international level have the added danger of undermining international order. The article explores the nature of rules, focusing on moral and legal dimensions as they operate at the international level. We then turn to an exploration of debates about legitimacy, the impact of technology on rules and rule-making, and the dilemmas of enforcement. We conclude that while rules are a necessary part of any just political order, the dilemmas generated at the global level necessitate careful consideration of the very nature of rules. The responses to the article that follow this one seek to explore some of these issues and their relevance to more specific international issues

Economics · Enforcement · Epistemology · International relations · Law and economics · Legitimacy · Order (exchange) · Political science · Politics · Relevance (law) · Sociology · International Law and Human Rights · Law