Springer Challenges of International Law in the Asian Region: An Introduction

This book provides an innovative outlook of the various challenges of international law in the Asian region. Moving away from the Eurocentrism prevalent in the literature on the subject, it provides a comprehensive Asian perspective without adopting a monolithic or homogeneous Asian approach. Although Asian countries converge on certain issues related to international law, such as engagement with the United Nations, at times, there is a significant divergence, such as in the case of agricultural trade liberalisation. Given the vastness of the region and the differing political systems, there are many discrepancies to consider.  The book takes into account the viewpoint of civil society so as to avoid a vertical state‐centred approach. Offering an easy-to-understand presentation of key issues concerning the region, this book is a useful introduction to this complex topic for students, academics and practitioners of international law. From the Back Cover This book provides an innovative outlook of the various challenges of international law in the Asian region. Moving away from the Eurocentrism prevalent in the literature on the subject, it provides a comprehensive Asian perspective without adopting a monolithic or homogeneous Asian approach. Although Asian countries converge on certain issues related to international law, such as engagement with the United Nations, at times, there is a significant divergence, such as in the case of agricultural trade liberalisation. Given the vastness of the region and the differing political systems, there are many discrepancies to consider.  The book takes into account the viewpoint of civil society so as to avoid a vertical state‐centred approach. Offering an easy-to-understand presentation of key issues concerning the region, this book is a useful introduction to this complex topic for students, academics and practitioners of international law. About the Author Vitit Muntarbhorn is a Professor Emeritus at the Faculty of  Law, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok.  He has helped the UN in various positions, including as UN Special Rapporteur on the Sale of  Children; UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation  in the Democratic People's Republic of  Korea (North Korea); and UN Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.  He  chaired for the UN the 2011 Commission of   Inquiry on the Ivory Coast and was later one of  the Commissioners of  the UN appointed Commission of  Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic.  He is the recipient of  the 2004 UNESCO Human Rights Education Prize and  was bestowed a Knighthood (KBE) in 2018.  He teaches and has published widely on Human Rights, International Law, Refugee Law, and international Humanitarian Law.