Legality today commands substantial currency in world affairs, and this volume examines the struggle over its meaning in diverse practices.

Countering mainstream theories, this book focuses on the expanding institutionalisation of international law.

Since the Second World War there has been a remarkable expansion of international legal institutions. At the same time, however, international law is challenged by states fearing the loss of their political room for manoeuvre. This book explores how states are responding by developing a new politics of international law.