Multinationals and Corporate Social Responsibility: Limitations and Opportunities in International Law (Cambridge Studies in International and Comparative Law)
Cambridge University Press, 11/9/2006
EAN 9780521844994, ISBN10: 0521844991
Hardcover, 368 pages, 22.9 x 15.2 x 2.4 cm
Language: English
The 'corporate social responsibility' ('CSR') movement has been described as one of the most important social movements of our time. This book looks at what the CSR movement means for multinationals, for states and for international law. International law is often criticized for being too 'state-centred', and ill-equipped to deal with the challenges of globalization. However, drawing from many and varied examples of state, NGO and corporate practice, this 2006 book argues that, while international law has its limitations, it presents more opportunities for the CSR regulation of multinationals than many people assume. The main obstacles to better regulation are, therefore, not legal, but political.
Preface
Table of treaties, declarations and other international instruments
Table of cases
Table of statutes and statutory instruments
Abbreviations
Introduction
Part I. Regulatory Issues and Problems
1. Multinationals and corporate social responsibility
a new regulatory agenda
2. Multinationals under international law
3. Multinationals under national law
the problem of jurisdiction
Part II. Home State Regulation of Multinationals
4. New directions in extraterritorial regulation of CSR standards
5. Private claims for personal injury and environmental harm
Part III. International Regulation of Multinationals
6. Towards an international law of CSR?
7. Multinationals and CSR
limitations and opportunities in international law
Bibliography.
'This is by far the best book to date exploring various national and international legal means through which to improve the human rights performance of transnational firms. Zerk is thorough yet innovative, strongly committed to the realization of rights yet admirably flexible in how best to achieve that end. She examines the responsibilities of states and corporations in equal balance, concluding that neither can suffice by itself. This should be required reading for anyone concerned with these critical issues.' John G. Ruggie Kirkpatrick Professor of International Affairs and Director, Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government, Harvard University;UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Business and Human Rights 'If you feel you need an insight into the debates that have shaped, and will certainly continue to shape, some of the international regulatory environment in the future, Jennifer Zerk's book ... is a good source.' Mallen Baker, Development Director for Business in the Community 'Jennifer Zerk is raising vital questions about the future governance and regulation of business. A new patchwork of codes, laws and regulations and multi-stakeholder agreements and private voluntary initiatives is beginning to emerge. With a lawyer's know-how but the breadth of a social scientist, Jennifer offers insight into the emerging shape of the rulebook for tomorrow's global company.' Mark Goyder, Director, Tomorrow's Company ' ... a refreshing and positive contribution to the legal perspective on the debate on CSR and the control of MNCs.' Olufemi O. Amao