economics of international law

schedule

Lecture 1. Why do we need international law?

In this lecture we will inquire into the proper scope of international law and its relevance in the age of globalization by focusing at the consequences of international law and not any other inherent quality of its norms.

lecture 2. Customary international law from the point of view of game theory.

In this lecture we will try to understand why something like customary international law (evidence of a general practice accepted as law) exists and if and why it has, or not, an impact on the behavior of states or politicians. We will first develop a basic theoretical framework which will then be expanded.

lecture 3. International treaties from the point of view of game theory (I): the relevance of international treaties.

In this lecture, we will try to understand why states are deciding to enter into an international treaty and up to what point this treaty will change their behavior. As evidence, we will elaborate using international environmental treaties and international human rights treaties.

lecture 4. International treaties from the point of view of game theory (II): the bargaining and content of international treaties

Understanding the relevance of international treaties will also reveals itself to be helpful to understand the game which is played by states and the way it is possible to modify the game to obtain or improve compliance. Once again, we will use international environmental treaties and international human rights treaties as examples.

lecture 5. Should we need a global government for addressing global issues?

Why do not we have a global government? Would it be more efficient than a myriad of international organizations? Are the perceived limits of the actual system merely represent what we can realistically achieve?