LawInternational LawInternational RelationsGlobal GovernancePhilosophy Of LawRulemakingInterpretive RulesRule Of LawAnarchy In International RelationsContestabilityContestability RulesInternational AnarchyInternational RulemakingRule-governed Practice
This article examines the interpretation of rules as an essential part of their meaning. It starts with some of the most foundational rules – pacta sunt servanda, for instance – and points to their contested nature. It looks at some of the causes of this inherent contestability and its effects on the international system. It concludes by noting that appeals to rules never settle a debate, but only begin the interpretative process that constitutes the international system. While this interpretative licence does not lead to complete anarchy, it does leave open a wide range of outcomes in rule-governed systems.