The International Court of Justice's Advisory Opinion on the Unilateral Declaration of Independence in Respect of Kosovo and its Ramifications

Abstract

In examining the implications of the advisory opinion, this article structures its arguments around four issues: firstly, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice; secondly, the functions of the General Assembly and the Security Council; thirdly, the content of general and specific international law; and last but not least, the scope of the right of self determination. The article then proceeds to evaluate the weaknesses of the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice and attempts to reach a better understanding of it. The article finally concludes by recommending that the significance of the advisory opinion be confined in light of the flaws in its reasoning.