State Silence Across International Law : Meaning, Context, and Developments

The words and actions of states have a significant influence on international law.But what of silence and inaction? During the twentieth and twenty-first century, the framework of international law underwent profound transformation.As a result, the contexts in which State silence may be interpreted have become complex and are not well understood.In light of these new realities, this ground-breaking volume explores the evolving legal meaning and effects of State silence in international law-making.Across sixteen chapters, this book questions the circumstances that necessitate a State's reaction, the factors influencing a State's ability to respond, and how a period of silence should be assessed.It also investigates whether and how the shift in international law from bilateralism towards community interests, multilateralism, intergovernmental institutions, and expert bodies, including international courts and tribunals, affect the interpretation of State silence.Furthermore, it probes wh