"Introduction" [2014] ELECD 247; in Talus, Kim (ed), "Research Handbook on International Energy Law" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2014) xvii

Book Title: Research Handbook on International Energy Law

Editor(s): Talus, Kim

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN (hard cover): 9781781002193

Section Title: Introduction

Number of pages: 2

Abstract/Description:

International law is in motion. Over the last decades, international law has developed and expanded from rules on armed conflict or formal diplomacy, to deal with a wide range of areas and topics. Some call this development 'fragmentation' of international law, others call it 'specialization'. The choice depends, among others, how one views this development, positive or negative. Many of these specialized areas of international law have a direct linkage with energy. Such areas would include human rights law, environmental law, maritime law, international trade law, international investment law and so on. Fragmentation of international law has in practice translated into the emergence of specialized and quite autonomous areas of international law with their own legal principles, institutions and legal practice. The purpose of this Research Handbook is to explore this development through those specialized areas of international law that have the above mentioned linkage with energy. In addition to these 'pure' or 'traditional' areas of international law or public international law and the more recent and specialized areas, the Research Handbook will also examine certain private contractual arrangements that can nevertheless be seen as an integral part of 'international energy law'. As with other Edward Elgar Research Handbooks, this book has two objectives. On one hand, it will provide students and early career practising lawyers with a good understanding of what 'International Energy Law' is.