Last year was characterized by the continued rise of “soft” instruments to address global challenges: decrees, self-regulation, joint plans of action, and handshake deals. While this approach makes it easier to reach agreement, its lack of regard for strong compliance mechanisms makes it inadequate to confront the world's toughest problems.
MADRID – In assessments of global events and trends in 2014, words like chaos, disorder, and fragmentation are likely to feature prominently. But the word “soft” should also appear. Indeed, 2014 was characterized by the continued rise of “soft” instruments to address global challenges: pledges, decrees, self-regulation, joint plans of action, and handshake deals. Are the days of organizing international relations according to traditional, formal law over?
MADRID – In assessments of global events and trends in 2014, words like chaos, disorder, and fragmentation are likely to feature prominently. But the word “soft” should also appear. Indeed, 2014 was characterized by the continued rise of “soft” instruments to address global challenges: pledges, decrees, self-regulation, joint plans of action, and handshake deals. Are the days of organizing international relations according to traditional, formal law over?