Globalization and Law: Trade, Rights, War - Softcover

This is a book of great novelty and importance. It eschews both the glib triumphalism of the globalization apologists who have announced, rather prematurely, the 'end of history' and the arrogant self-importance of lawyers advocating a new world order of unfettered capitalism and imperialism. A nuanced and imaginative approach to law, economics, development, and international politics, Globalization and Law offers an anatomy of the crises and aspirations of our age. Gearey writes from the barricades of the wars for an equitable world distribution, a humanitarianism that does not descend into eurocentric humanism and a law that is not divorced from justice. Written for both the student and the academic in superb style, this is a book that will change the parameters of debates in international law, development, and human rights. -- Costas Douzinas, Birkbeck College, University of London We are used to negotiations among those of unequal power still proceeding in the 'shadow of the law' cast by an independent legitimated subject. But what if-given inequalities so severe, great powers so indifferent to their alleviation, a jurisdictional topography of legal institutions so uneven and in flux-no such subject exists? Globalization and Law is a disturbing, informed, accessible meditation on this question. Gearey offers fewer answers than questions, but they are among the right ones to be asking. -- Joel Rogers, University of Wisconsin-Madison I recommend this book enthusiastically. In contrast with a growing literature of banalities about globalization, Globalization and Law offers an original treatment of the law-globalization nexus with critical perpectives rather than cliches and simplistic partisanship. -- Michael J. Shapiro, University of Hawai'i, Manoa

To understand globalized law it is necessary to bring together insights gained from disparate strands of study: international political economy, economic law, human rights law, and the law of war. Focusing on WTO, the UN, the World Bank and the IMF, Globalization and Law shows how their legal and regulatory regimes are linked to the politics of world markets. It also looks at the operation of law and economy at a national level where globalized law can be seen in action. Chapters consider the politics of oil and human rights in Nigeria, and the invasion and OreconstructionO of Iraq. Other broad themes are also examined. Looking at the fate of people in the third world who are the subjects of economic development and development law, we can bring to light the power relationships and ideologies that are attendant on the development project. In conclusion, it is argued that we need to engage with the claims to humanity that lie behind the notion of human rights, the war against terrorism and military intervention. Globalized law raises fraught questions about the role of international regimes and the interests and values in whose name they claim to operate.