International Law's Invisible Frames: Social Cognition and Knowledge Production in International Legal Processes

International law is a social practice shaped by social cognition and knowledge production processes, influenced by psychological and socio-cultural factors. This book investigates how these processes shape our understanding of international law, revealing the hidden meanings of mythologies and the groups that influence discourse. It helps readers unlearn presuppositions and understand the mechanisms that form our understanding of international law.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 28 September 2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press

International law, a complex and multifaceted realm, encompasses a wide range of legal principles, treaties, and agreements that govern the interactions between nations. It serves as a framework for resolving disputes, promoting cooperation, and safeguarding human rights. Understanding international law is crucial for navigating the globalized world, where countries interact on a daily basis and where conflicts can arise rapidly.

International law operates through a variety of mechanisms, including treaties, customary law, and judicial decisions. Treaties are formal agreements between two or more nations that establish rights and obligations between them. Customary law, on the other hand, is a set of practices and norms that have developed over time and are considered binding on states even if they are not explicitly recognized in a treaty. Judicial decisions, made by international courts and tribunals, also play a significant role in interpreting and applying international law.

One of the key challenges in understanding international law is the fact that it is often influenced by a complex web of social, psychological, and cultural factors. These factors can shape the way that states interpret and apply international law, and can lead to different interpretations of the same legal provisions. For example, cultural differences can lead to different understandings of human rights, and political interests can influence the interpretation of treaties.

To better understand international law, it is important to examine the social cognition and knowledge production processes that shape our understanding of the law. These processes act as invisible frames, through which we interpret and understand international law. This includes identifying the groups of people and institutions that shape and alter the prevailing discourse in international law, and unearthing the hidden meanings of the various mythologies that populate and influence our normative world.

One of the key insights from sociology, psychology, and behavioural science is that our understanding of international law is often shaped by our cognitive biases and assumptions. These biases and assumptions can lead us to interpret international law in a way that is consistent with our own interests, rather than in a way that is consistent with the law's intended purpose. For example, we may have a bias towards viewing international law as a tool for promoting our own interests, rather than as a means of promoting peace and cooperation.

To overcome these biases and assumptions, it is important to engage in critical thinking and to challenge our own beliefs about international law. This can involve examining the evidence and arguments that support different interpretations of international law, and engaging in dialogue with people from different backgrounds and perspectives. It can also involve learning about the history and evolution of international law, and about the different legal theories and frameworks that have been developed to explain it.

In conclusion, international law is a complex and multifaceted realm that is shaped by a variety of social, psychological, and cultural factors. Understanding international law is crucial for navigating the globalized world, and for promoting peace and cooperation between nations. By examining the social cognition and knowledge production processes that shape our understanding of the law, and by engaging in critical thinking and dialogue, we can develop a more nuanced and informed perspective on international law.

Weight: 662g
Dimension: 164 x 240 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192847539