General international law

This is a definition of General International Law in the Elgar Concise Encyclopedia of Space Law. Providing a comprehensive and timely overview of the evolving landscape of space law, this Encyclopedia emphasises the importance of international collaboration in maintaining outer space as a peaceful domain. This Encyclopedia illustrates how the demise of the bipolar world order changed the paradigm of international legal developments in outer space activities, while the need to guarantee the security, safety, and sustainability of space remained unchanged. The rise of the private space industry necessitates new legal approaches that balance the fast pace of technological advancements with the needs of all stakeholders, including operators. This can be seen in various licensing regimes which seek to foster innovation while at the same time preserving national interests. The Elgar Concise Encyclopedia of Space Law is an essential resource for students, academics, and practitioners of public international law and transport law, as well as for policymakers and stakeholders within international aerospace organizations and academies.