New trends in international lawmaking - international "legislation" in the public interest

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New threat scenarios such as global environmental hazards, poverty-driven mass migrations, and international terrorism have emerged, particularly in light of the unresolved issue of containing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Addressing these challenges is inherently political; however, effective political action requires a robust and enforceable legal framework. It is clear that this international legal framework cannot rely solely on traditional sovereignty-oriented principles. International law is beginning to adapt to the new realities it faces. There are observable modifications in the creation of legal norms, efforts to expand the scope of relevant international legal norms, and initiatives to enhance their enforceability against third states, as exemplified by the recognized norms with erga omnes effect. These developments indicate a transformative shift in international law in response to global hazards. The 1996 International Law Symposium titled "The New Trends in International Lawmaking - International 'Legislation' in the Public Interest" convened 28 leading scholars from the U.S. and Europe to explore these recent changes in the international legal order.