"International politics is in constant flux. States' interests, status, and power are shifting; norms governing appropriate behaviour are getting stronger or weaker, emerging or decaying, or changing complexion and content. It is stability, rather than mutability, that requires an explanation in politics. International law, on the other hand, appears much less fluid. While it will often reflect the shifting political constellations of its time to some extent, it is not merely the mirror image of politics, nor does it track political change immediately or in its entirety. Some changes in politics will make a quick impact, some a much slower one, and yet some will fail to leave a mark on the law"-- Provided by publisher.