Suchergebnisse

The creation and succession of states is often realized through the conclusion of specific peace and border treaties. This is also the case for Switzerland. While it is true that the country has had a relatively stable legal framework for the last 200 years (since 1815), it is too often forgotten that agreements reached with foreign States (also after 1815, and sometimes even without the explicit consent of the small country itself) were fundamental for its development and recognition. In addition, the legal status and the exact definition of its territory have been shaped by specific international arbitral awards and court decisions. These sources of international law must be considered foundational parts of the legal framework defining the country. While Swiss (constitutional) historians seem perfectly aware of this development, these aspects have been largely overlooked by public international law scholars.

International security weighs heavily in the management of outer space territory, especially with the increasing use of satellites in telecommunications & warfare, but faces serious challenges. Recent technological developments & the controversial US plan to dominate outer space are examined. The development of dual-use space technology means that military use of space has more potential. As the US builds up its space capabilities, competition among the major powers in these technologies is reemerging, but existing international agreements fall short of addressing space security. The US appears to be seeking absolute security for itself by developing its space military technologies, but the US cannot monopolize space nor provide absolute security. It is argued that the most desirable way to maintain space security is for the entire international community to ban the weaponization of space through a legally binding document. M. Pflum

"Europa kann nach den US-Wahlen weder eine sofortige Wiederbelebung der multilateralen Doha-Runde erwarten, noch sollte sie darauf drängen. Die Verhandlungen sind in einer Pattsituation; ihre Wiederbelebung würde einen klaren politischen Willen der wichtigsten Handelsnationen – allen voran den USA – erfordern. Doch der künftige US-Präsident Barack Obama kann bis auf weiteres diese internationale Führungsrolle nicht übernehmen, weil er mit Blick auf die akute Wirtschaftskrise andere, innenpolitische Wirtschaftsprioritäten setzen wird." (Autorenreferat)