The Problem of Many Hands in International Law
"The Political Economy of International Law: A European Perspective" Editor: Alberta Fabbricotti, (Elgar Publishers 2016), Forthcoming
Amsterdam Law School Research Paper No. 2015-35
Amsterdam Center for International Law No. 2015-15
29 Pages Posted: 23 Sep 2015
Date Written: September 22, 2015
Abstract
This paper examines the phenomenon of diffusion of responsibility from a political economy perspective. It argues that concerted actions that lead to harmful outcomes may trigger a diffusion of responsibility between States, international organisations (IOs) and other actors involved in the concerted action. Such diffusion may bring both costs and benefits for relevant actors. The chapter construes diffusion as a political process, of which international law is an integral part, and exposes the costs and benefits involved.
Keywords: Responsibility, international organizations, diffusion, remedies, delegation, orchestration
JEL Classification: K33
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation