Summary

During the 1990s, the international system underwent major changes with the end of the ideological divide that was the Cold War. At this time the international system experienced a major movement with the widespread adoption of democratic systems leading academics to speak of an international victory for democracy, a third wave of democratisation and an emerging right to democratic governance. Within a short period of time international law went from a position of supposed ideological neutrality to actively supporting the idea and practice of democracy. Concerns for democracy have been expressed in relation to membership to international organisations, international human rights law, trade conditionality, the process of recognition, multiple levels of governance, election monitoring and as a justification for the use of force. The essays in this collection will provide the reader with the key works in the debate about democracy in international law, demonstrating the wide influence democracy has had, the controversies that surround it and its importance for international law and relations.