Customary Transnational Law: Attacking the Last Resort of State Sovereignty

In the Westphalian State, Customary International Law (CIL) has traditionally been informed by high-level state action among close neighbors. However, it is no longer a foregone conclusion that CIL is resistant to the influences of greater globalization and transnational government and non-governmental action. As the interaction among and between national governments and non-governmental organizations increases in frequency, breadth, and physical distance, we are asked to reconsider the formation of modern CIL. Ultimately, the ever increasing importance of transnational cooperation, both in traditional governance and non-governmental action, necessarily informs modern CIL. The resultant body of law may appropriately be described as Customary Transnational Law. Democracy and the Transnational Private Sector, Symposium. Indiana University School of Law – Bloomington, April 12-13, 2007