The Dynamics of International Law

by Paul F. Diehl, Charlotte Ku

Paul F. Diehl and Charlotte Ku's new framework for international law divides it into operating and normative systems. The authors provide a theory of how these two systems interact, which explains how changes in one system precipitate changes and create capacity in the other. A punctuated equilibrium theory of system evolution, drawn from studies of biology and public policy studies, provides the basis for delineating the conditions for change and helps explain a pattern of international legal change that is often infrequent and sub-optimal, but still influential.

214 pages, Hardcover

First published January 14, 2010

About the author

Paul F. Diehl is Associate Provost and Director of Teaching-Learning Initiatives, University of Texas-Dallas.