International Law and the Resolution of Central and East European

This book is based on the perspectives of international law and international relations theory and presents an interdisciplinary approach to the investigation of the question of what role international law plays in promoting the resolution of Central and East European transboundary environmental disputes. To fully understand the role of international law, the author first examines in detail eight environmental case-studies, including the Baltic Sea, Black Triangle, Temel'n nuclear power plant, Danube River Gauntlet and Black Sea disputes. From a detailed examination of the Gabc'kovo-Nagymaros Project dispute between Slovakia and Hungary, a novel analytic framework is used to evaluate the sub-state actors, interested third parties and the ecological, economic and political circumstances that influence the resolution of transboundary environmental disputes and the role of law. The book then develops a set of premises as to when states may be more inclined to employ international law to assist in the resolution of disputes, and how the role of law may be enhanced. In conclusion, an application of these premises to the specific instances of Central and Eastern Europe is set out, finding that international law will play an increasing, albeit imperfect role in the near future.