Defending the Society of States: Why America Opposes the International Criminal Court and Its Vision of World SocietyThis book is among the first to address the issues raised by the International Criminal Court (ICC) from an International Relations perspective. By clearly outlining a theoretical framework to interpret these issues, Ralph makes a significant contribution to the English School's study of international society. More specifically, he offers a concise definition of 'world society' and thus helps to resolve a longstanding problem in international theory. This groundbreakingconceptual work is supported by an in-depth empirical analysis of American opposition to the ICC. Ralph goes beyond the familiar arguments related to national interests and argues that the Court has exposed the extent to which American notions of accountability are tied to the nation-state. Where otherdemocracies are willing to renegotiate their social contract because they see themselves as part of world society, the US protects its particular contract with 'the people' because it offers a means of distinguishing America and its democracy from the rest of the world. This 'sovereigntist', or more accurately 'Americanist', influence is further illustrated in chapters on the sources of law, universal jurisdiction, transatlantic relations and US policy on international humanitarian law in thewar on terror. The book concludes by evoking E.H. Carr's criticism of those great powers who claim that a harmony exists between their particular interests and those of wider society. It also recalls his argument that great powers sometimes need to compromise and in this context, Ralph argues thatsupport for the ICC is a more effective means of fulfilling America's purpose and a less costly sacrifice than that demanded by the 'Americanist' policy of nation-building. |
Contents
1 Introduction | 1 |
2 International SocietyConsent and Custom as Sources of Law | 29 |
3 International SocietyThe Duty Either to Extradite or Prosecute | 55 |
4 The Rome Statute and the Constitution of World Society | 87 |
5 Understanding US Opposition to the ICC | 119 |
6 Europe the United States and the International Criminal Court | 151 |
7 International Society and Americas War on Terrorism | 181 |
International Society and American Empire | 205 |
| 221 | |
| 241 | |
Other editions - View all
Defending the Society of States: Why America Opposes the International ... Jason Ralph Limited preview - 2007 |
Defending the Society of States:Why America Opposes the International ... Jason Ralph No preview available - 2007 |
Common terms and phrases
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