This study involves a re-examination of sovereignty in relation to the domestic and international spheres of activity and highlights the ethical imperatives embedded in the concept. It argues that the implications of sovereignty are essentially democratic and pacific, even though political actors often interpret it in a crude and egoistic fashion.

The title of the Hague Yearbook of International Law reflects the close ties which have always existed between the AAA and the City of The Hague with its international law institutions, and indicates the Yearbook’s aim of devoting attention to developments taking place in the international law institutions based in The Hague. However, the Yearbook has a broader scope as well: to offer a platform for review of new developments in the field of international law. As of the 2010 Volume, the Yearbook has been compiled by a new and expanded Editorial Board, offering fresh ideas and a new approach. A newly established Advisory Board has also been added, including ICJ Judge Bruno Simma, Serge Brammertz, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY), Jacomijn J. van Haersolte-van Hof, advocate (advocaat) at HaersolteHof and arbitrator (The Netherlands) and Professor Peter Hilpold, Innsbruck University (Austria). Sections have been created on public international law, private international law, international investment law and international criminal law, containing in-depth articles on current issues. The breadth of the Yearbook’s content thus offers an interesting and valuable illustration of the dynamic developments in the various sub-areas of international law.

This work aims to be the definitive exploration of the possibility to conceptualize permanent sovereignty over natural resources vested in indigenous peoples rather than in States under international law.

"The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is a culmination of a centuries-long struggle by indigenous peoples for justice. It is an important new addition to UN human rights instruments in that it promotes equality for the world's indigenous peoples and recognizes their collective rights."--Back cover.