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The Perestroika Era and International Law
This insightful book explores the Perestroika era (1985–1991), considered to be one of the most eventful periods in modern history, and in particular the ways in which it affected the Soviet approach to international law.
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Critical Acclaim
Contents
More Information
This insightful book explores the Perestroika era (1985–1991), considered to be one of the most eventful periods in modern history, and in particular the ways in which it affected the Soviet approach to international law.
After assessing the reforms introduced by the Perestroika era, Kaj Hobér outlines the concept of ‘The New Thinking’ and its impact on Soviet international law as the guiding principle for the reorientation of Soviet foreign policy. The book examines specific aspects of public international law during this period, namely key sources of international law, peaceful coexistence, the use of force, border disputes, human rights approaches and foreign economic relations, as well as the dissolution of the USSR. Hobér argues that the Perestroika period represents a watershed in the Soviet approach to international law, and that the events continue to cast their shadow over Russia’s legal, political and sociocultural developments today.
The Perestroika Era and International Law is a valuable resource for scholars specialising in public international law and legal history. Its analysis of the interrelation between Soviet international law, foreign policy and sociocultural policy will also be of interest to those working in foreign relations, politics and public policy.
After assessing the reforms introduced by the Perestroika era, Kaj Hobér outlines the concept of ‘The New Thinking’ and its impact on Soviet international law as the guiding principle for the reorientation of Soviet foreign policy. The book examines specific aspects of public international law during this period, namely key sources of international law, peaceful coexistence, the use of force, border disputes, human rights approaches and foreign economic relations, as well as the dissolution of the USSR. Hobér argues that the Perestroika period represents a watershed in the Soviet approach to international law, and that the events continue to cast their shadow over Russia’s legal, political and sociocultural developments today.
The Perestroika Era and International Law is a valuable resource for scholars specialising in public international law and legal history. Its analysis of the interrelation between Soviet international law, foreign policy and sociocultural policy will also be of interest to those working in foreign relations, politics and public policy.
Critical Acclaim
‘This book is written in an accessible manner and contains not only the story of Perestroika and international law in its different facets but also its pre-story during the Cold War, concerning international law and the Soviet Union. Different areas of international law such as theory of international law, use of force, human rights, border disputes and foreign economic relations are addressed in the book. The appendices contain relevant documents and help to illuminate the narrative.’
– Lauri Mälksoo, University of Tartu, Estonia
‘The most comprehensive and thorough analysis of international law in relation to Gorbachev’s reforms, paving the way for the collapse of the Soviet Union.’
– Rein Müllerson, formerly Tallinn University, Estonia and King’s College London, UK
– Lauri Mälksoo, University of Tartu, Estonia
‘The most comprehensive and thorough analysis of international law in relation to Gorbachev’s reforms, paving the way for the collapse of the Soviet Union.’
– Rein Müllerson, formerly Tallinn University, Estonia and King’s College London, UK
Contents
Contents
Preface vii
1 Introduction to The Perestroika Era and International Law
2 Gorbachev’s reforms
3 History of international law
4 The New Thinking and international law
5 Sources of international law
6 Peaceful coexistence
7 The use of force
8 Border disputes
9 Human rights
10 Foreign economic relations
11 The dissolution of the USSR
Appendices: The Perestroika Era
Appendix 1 Gorbachev’s Speech at the United Nations in
December 1988
Appendix 2 Extracts from the Final Act of the Conference on
Security and Co-operation in Europe: “Helsinki
Final Act”
Appendix 3 Agreement between the Union of the Soviet
Socialist Republics and the People’s Republic of
China on the Soviet-Chinese State Border in its
Eastern Part
Appendix 4 Memorandum Concerning the Kurile Islands
Appendix 5 Declaration on Human Rights and Freedom
Appendix 6 The 1987 Joint Venture Decree
Appendix 7 The 9 + 1 Agreement
Appendix 8 The Minsk Agreement on Establishing a
Commonwealth of Independent States
Appendix 9 The Minsk Declaration
Appendix 10 The Alma-Ata Declaration
Appendix 11 The Alma-Ata Protocol
Index
Preface vii
1 Introduction to The Perestroika Era and International Law
2 Gorbachev’s reforms
3 History of international law
4 The New Thinking and international law
5 Sources of international law
6 Peaceful coexistence
7 The use of force
8 Border disputes
9 Human rights
10 Foreign economic relations
11 The dissolution of the USSR
Appendices: The Perestroika Era
Appendix 1 Gorbachev’s Speech at the United Nations in
December 1988
Appendix 2 Extracts from the Final Act of the Conference on
Security and Co-operation in Europe: “Helsinki
Final Act”
Appendix 3 Agreement between the Union of the Soviet
Socialist Republics and the People’s Republic of
China on the Soviet-Chinese State Border in its
Eastern Part
Appendix 4 Memorandum Concerning the Kurile Islands
Appendix 5 Declaration on Human Rights and Freedom
Appendix 6 The 1987 Joint Venture Decree
Appendix 7 The 9 + 1 Agreement
Appendix 8 The Minsk Agreement on Establishing a
Commonwealth of Independent States
Appendix 9 The Minsk Declaration
Appendix 10 The Alma-Ata Declaration
Appendix 11 The Alma-Ata Protocol
Index
