Economic Analysis and International Law

This Oxford Bibliography entry examines scholarship employing rational choice theory, bounded rationality, and behavioral economics to analyze various problems and areas in international law. It begins by introducing key reference works and tools rationalist international legal scholars use. Subsequent sections explore the application of economic analysis to various subfields, including the sources of international law (customs and treaties), compliance and effectiveness, international dispute resolution, international organizations, international trade law, international finance law, international environmental law, and international human rights law. The entry highlights how economic analysis, particularly game theory and contract theory, has been used to understand state behavior, treaty formation, and the effectiveness of international legal norms. It also acknowledges critiques of the rational choice approach and discusses alternative perspectives, such as behavioral international law and economics.