Sovereignty and Multilateralism

In the remainder of this essay I explore several issues raised by the linkages between sovereignty and multilateralism. In Part II, I critique McGinnis' positive claims about multilateral cooperation, and his attempt to normatively distinguish international trade law from other forms of multilateralism. Part III then inquires into the nature of the "democracy problem" in international law. I argue that a focus on the substance of international legal agreements is not compelling.

I present a basic framework for analysis of the democracy problem, and use it to suggest a better approach, which instead focuses on the structure and process of international lawmaking. Part IV then briefly considers the question of sovereignty in light of recent theorizing on the changing nature and meaning of sovereignty. Part V concludes.