Examines how the concept of 'obligations to the whole international community' influences international law.

Christian J. Tams is Professor of International Law at the University of Glasgow.

Preface; Notes on citation; List of abbreviations; Table of cases; Introduction; Part I. Background to the Erga Omnes Concept: 1. Clarifications; 2. Traditional approaches to standing; Part II. Legal issues raised by the Erga Omnes Concept: 3. Distinguishing types of Erga Omnes effects; 4. Identifying obligations Erga Omnes; 5. Standing to Institute ICJ Proceedings; 6. Standing to take countermeasures; 7. Erga Omnes enforcement rights and competing enforcement mechanisms; Conclusion; Bibliography; Index.