The Distinctiveness of Regional International Organization Law

This article argues that there is a distinct regional international organization law which derives from that law’s concern with the institution, management and cultivation of qualities identified with regions. This concern gives this law four qualities. First, it seeks to institute the region into being, with the region identified as somewhere that combines a place and a mission-based association. Secondly, it characterises regions as fissile so that the provision of trust and security are central features of this law. Thirdly, it sees emancipation and solidarity as central ideals of both the region and its Member States. Fourly, this law contains an account of national inadequacy. This essay concludes by arguing for inclusion of a fifth quality, an account of regional inadequacy. This would problematise more extensively both what the regional international organization does and the concentrations of power it often facilitates.