Global Security Regimes and International Law

Abstract

Global security regulation encompasses various global security regimes (GSR). GSR are regulatory frameworks based on a particular category of norms, which seek to eliminate or regulate, by means of the instruments of international and domestic law, the involvement of States and non-state actors in certain activities. The chapter discusses the relationship between GSR and international law. Building upon the concept of legalization introduced by liberal scholars and drawing from four case studies (GSR against genocide, piracy, whale hunting and drugs), the chapter argues that GSR are all legalized but that the degree of their legalization differs. It also shows that there is no obvious link between this degree and the nature and strength of the regime.