Gauging the Operability of International Law

Abstract

As discussed in Chapter 8, ecological, economic, political and national minority circumstances of CEE states influence the interest in and ability of CEE states, sub-state actors and interested third parties to resolve transboundary environmental disputes. This chapter explores the various circumstances affecting the behavior of states, and in particular draws conclusions relating to whether the changing ecological dynamics and the political and economic transition currently underway in CEE will enhance or detract from the ability of CEE states to use international law to assist in the resolution of their transboundary environmental disputes. The chapter also indicates, in light of these various circumstances, which elements of international law and the legal process might be most productively utilized to assist in the resolution of these disputes.