Legitimacy

The book "Legitimacy: Myths, Realities, Challenges" edited by Albert Jan van den Berg, with the assistance of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, Peace Palace, explores the concept of legitimacy in the context of arbitration and international law. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Justice and Procedure: The book focuses on the twin pillars of legitimacy: justice in both procedure and outcome, and precision at every phase of the proceedings.
2. Diversity and Fairness: It examines issues related to diversity, fairness, and whether arbitral institutions can do more to foster legitimacy.
3. Arbitral Institutions: The book delves into the role of arbitral institutions in promoting legitimacy, including their ability to address concerns about diversity and fairness.

Plot Summary

The book is a collection of contributions from various experts in the field of arbitration and international law. It provides an in-depth analysis of the concept of legitimacy, exploring its myths, realities, and challenges. The chapters likely cover a range of topics, including:

• The theoretical underpinnings of legitimacy in arbitration.
• Practical applications of legitimacy in different arbitration contexts.
• Case studies that illustrate the challenges and realities of achieving legitimacy in arbitral proceedings.
• Recommendations for improving the legitimacy of arbitral institutions.

Critical Reception

While specific reviews are not provided in the search results, the book's focus on a critical and nuanced understanding of legitimacy suggests it would be well-received by scholars and practitioners in the field of arbitration and international law. The involvement of the Permanent Court of Arbitration adds credibility to the book's analysis, as it is a respected institution in the field.

Additional Context

The book is part of a broader discussion on legitimacy in various contexts, including politics and governance. For instance, another book titled "Legitimacy" by Arthur Applbaum (Harvard University Press, 2019) explores the concept of political legitimacy, arguing that the greatest danger to democratic legitimacy is "wantonism," the tyranny of unreason. This highlights the multifaceted nature of legitimacy and its relevance across different domains.

In summary, "Legitimacy: Myths, Realities, Challenges" by Albert Jan van den Berg is a comprehensive and authoritative work that examines the concept of legitimacy in arbitration and international law. It provides a detailed analysis of the theoretical and practical aspects of legitimacy, making it a valuable resource for scholars and practitioners in the field.