3 - Integration, Networks and the Global Order

Summary

Chapter 3 focuses on the ‘how’ question, relating to the structures created by regulatory cooperation. It argues that regulatory cooperation can develop into network structures, which are in general terms more integrated forms of cooperation. Networks are often discussed in relation to two other forms of organization: markets and hierarchies. ITransposed to the political and legal sphere, networks constitute more consolidated structures which nevertheless do not fit into traditional hierarchical models. This chapter seeks to go beyond a narrow focus on regulatory networks and to ask a broader question, namely, what can the development of regulatory networks tell us about our understanding of the global legal order. Chapter 3 shows how cooperative networks create spaces wherein independent regimes deliberate over content relevant for their cooperative activities and goals. This then may cause stabilization and harmonisation of internal normative values and structural settings in the network.