Key Issues Internationally – A Multidisciplinary Approach

Citation

Lois, P. (2008), "Key Issues Internationally – A Multidisciplinary Approach", EuroMed Journal of Business, Vol. 3 No. 1, pp. 119-120. https://doi.org/10.1108/14502190810873858

This book is interesting for those who are concerned with international issues. It is a particularly relevant publication since it brings together interdisciplinary essays in various areas of international relations and international law. It is distinctive in that the book is not only for those interested in international relations, but also for undergraduate and postgraduate students in the fields of European studies, globalization or international relations. The essays covered provide the readers with basic insights into issues affecting the international community. It includes essays relating to the globalization of the accounting profession, international banking and cyber laws, international maritime safety regulations, air and environmental laws, and the globalization of religion.

The volume is divided into three areas. Part 1 is composed of two submissions and begins with an essay entitled “Globalization of the accounting profession”. This essay addresses the harmonization and globalization process of accounting and accounting standards. It particularly covers the need to harmonize the accounting profession, the stages of harmonization, and any obstacles to harmonization. It is specifically appropriate for accounting professionals and practitioners, and also for accounting students.

The second essay covers “International banking law” and explains the factors contributing to the development of international banking law, legal problems encountered in the global banking arena, and difficulties in the implementation of legal principles. Readers are exposed to preventative and remedial steps that deal with matters that may hinder or threaten the operation of the international banking mechanism.

Part 2 is composed of articles that are generally of interest to those who deal with and/or study law and safety regulations. For example, the essay “The International Criminal Court: the dawn of a new era in international criminal justice?”, provides historical background on the International Criminal Court (ICC), and this account exposes the reader to the organs of the ICC, the shortcomings of international crime tribunals, and a critique of the ICC. The next essay is entitled “International maritime safety regulations”. This contribution covers the formal safety assessment and its application in the global shipping industry. It pays attention to the response of the international shipping community in the form of conventions, regulations, treaties and resolutions. It also focuses on the control measures posed by international shipping bodies in order to enhance safety in the maritime industry, especially in the cruise industry. The author's essay is of particular interest to those involved in the global shipping industry and for students who study maritime operations or shipping law. The third essay, entitled “Human rights and the Annan Plan”, discusses the Annan Plan and its connection with human rights, principles and ideals. This piece is interesting for politicians and lawyers since it deliberates the implications of the Loizidou case and the ownership of land rights and free movement rights, as well as political rights and how they relate to the Annan Plan. The essay that follows provides the reader with an awareness of legal issues affecting the internet, such as intellectual property rights, copyright, trademark issues, patent law, EU data protection directive, anti‐spam legislation, and the digital divide. The essay on “International law on the environment” examines the basic concepts of international law which apply to the protection of the environment and discusses some major international issues and conventions for such protection, as well as the United Nations' efforts toward the legal protection of the environment. This is an especially interesting essay for those who are involved in the protection of the environment. The essay on “International trade law” deals with the creation of the World Trade Organization and its emphasis on free trade, which has affected national economic policies and employment. The final essay in Part 2 refers to “International air law”. This article conveys to the reader an overview of the unification of private international air law through the adoption of international conventions, an examination of a number of cases from various jurisdictions relating to carrier liability in the event of a serious international aviation accident, and the many legal complexities involved in claiming compensation for injury or loss.

Finally Part 3 is composed of one submission. This essay addresses the phenomenon of globalization in the context of civilization, technological explosion, culture and religion. It also focuses on the relationship of the Cypriot church and money, and it explains why the church is not afraid of globalization. Although this is one of the most interesting articles in the book, it lacks a review of literature and there is a serious need for the references and bibliography to be expanded. Unfortunately, the author takes the opportunity once again to make accusations against Mount Athos and the wise old men (monks) who live there, without clarifying his thoughts and expressions. My personal experience shows the opposite. The monks maintain a pure, Orthodox or pure Orthodox spirit and they act as counsellors. It would have been more appropriate for the author to conduct a survey/research and subsequently try to prove what he wants to say in his article.

Overall this publication provides up‐to‐date information and offers significant insights into some international issues. It is the knowledge to be gained by readers in studying the accounts which explain the complexity of the international system that makes this book appealing. The volume should benefit students, teachers, researchers and professionals who are interested in international business, international relations, and international regulations and conventions. It is a readable volume offering fresh insight and food for thought through a multidisciplinary approach.