OLD ANSWERS TO NEW PROBLEMS: A JOURNEY THROUGH THE THEORY OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Abstract

In a context in which conflict and international tensions are on the rise, with unpredictable consequences, it is urgent to remember the regulatory role of international law, and in particular of international organisations. The lessons of history show that these organisations do not have sufficient means and resources, cannot respond to all the demands and cannot foresee all the threats to the world order. Global problems have intensified and the international order has changed, and it seems that the time of law is giving way to the resurgence of imperialism and uncertainty. In this context, the European Union has come up with answers that the world cannot help but consider: based on the universal values of ‘respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for the rights of minorities’, it has created an autonomous legal system that overrides that of the member states, in the name of promoting peace and the well-being of its peoples. Despite its greatest weakness, which is the lack of a genuine common security and defence policy, it is time to ask whether the functioning of international organisations could benefit from Europe's lessons. Without wishing to be exhaustive, we therefore set out to recall the teachings of international law with regard to international organisations, and to reflect on whether the constitutional nature of the European integration model could contribute to its greater effectiveness.