The European Union, International Law and the Promotion and Protection of Democracy

This book provides a study of the role played by international organisations in the advancement of democracy as a principle of international law. Since the end of the Cold War democracy has emerged as a substantial legal principle in international relations. A particular area where democracy is prominent as a legal obligation is as criteria for membership to a number of international organisations. In the EU democracy is treaty - based obligation for all current Member States and is also used for assessing the appropriateness of future Member States. In this regard the EU has played a major role in developing the scope and extent of democracy as legal principle and the procedural rules involved in ensuring compliance. This study examines the position of democracy in the legal regime of the EU as an international organisation vis-à-vis current and potential Member States. The developments in the EU with regard to democracy as a legal obligation for membership assist in understanding the wider development of democracy in international law.