The Practice of Interpretation in International Law, Vol. 4: Unity, Diversity, and Evolution

Does a unified law of interpretation exist? Can it be applied to all legal rules, regardless of their source, interpreter, or subject matter? This volume offers a comprehensive exploration of how interpretation is practiced across the diverse landscape of international law. Drawing on contributions from leading scholars and practitioners, the book examines interpretation through the lenses of multiple actors, sources, and regimes, revealing three core themes. Unity emerges in shared interpretative methods, rooted in the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties and its customary counterparts. Diversity appears in the distinctive approaches found within specialised legal regimes. Evolution is seen in the growing range of materials considered during interpretation. Rich in comparative insights, this volume will be an essential reference for researchers, practitioners, and anyone interested in the dynamic processes that shape meaning in international law.

This title is also available as open access on Cambridge Core.