The author posts on Linked In
I am thrilled to announce the publication of my first monograph, Consensus in International Law: Critical History, Queer Reimaginings with Oxford University Press.
In the book, I provide a critical history of the way the idea of consensus has been mobilised in international law. Focusing on the World Trade Organisation and European Court of Human Rights, I show how the idea of consensus has historically functioned to uphold the authority of these international institutions and their legal worlds. However, I argue that this came at a cost. Through its emphasis on sameness and agreement, the idea of consensus has often worked to reinforce existing power relations, conceal expressions of difference and dissent, and generally limit our horizon.
In our current moment, in which worries about the future of international law abound, it is easy to experience a sense of nostalgia for the consensus discourses of international law’s recent past. However, in the book, I caution against this line of thinking. I suggest that there are alternative international legal imaginaries that can facilitate collaboration and solidarity between different peoples, while also allowing space for diversity. I put forward a conception of the international as a ‘meeting place’ for a plurality of communities and their laws as one such option.
I am very grateful to Frances Cannon for the cover art. Their work can be found here: https://lnkd.in/grGivBUe
The hard copy can be purchased here (at unfortunately eye watering price ?): https://lnkd.in/gDD-pR7E
The e-book can be found here: https://lnkd.in/gcMZE-
