The uncoordinated proliferation of international courts and tribunals in the context of complexity theory

Abstract

In today’s world order, the frequency of international interactions has reached a level that was once unthinkable. As a natural consequence, international law is one of the main areas affected. Nowadays, international dispute settlement mechanisms are more vital than ever and the numbers of these mechanisms are rising sharply. However, this sudden increase has led to a phenomenon that has created concern amongst international lawyers: the so-called ‘uncoordinated proliferation of international courts and tribunals.’ This study has two complementary aims: First, using complexity theory to explain this phenomenon and arguing why it does not pose a threat to the international legal system; second, discussing why complexity theory should be referred to more to decide the future of international adjudication.