The publication ≪Encyclopedia of International Law≫ in Three Volumes (an Editorial Board Chaired by Yu.S. Shemshuchenko and V.N. Denisov) Institute of State and Law. V.M. Koretsky NAS of Ukraine - (Kiev: Academic Periodic, 2014-2019) - as the Next Step in the Development of International Law (Analytical Review of Vol. 1)
Authors: Kononenko V. P. 
Published: December 2020

INTRODUCTION. The article contains a comprehensive analysis of one of the fundamental works on international law, which was published in the post-Soviet space - “Encyclopedias of International Law” in three volumes. The work was performed at the Institute of State and Law. V.M. Koretsky NAS of Ukraine and its methodology is based on the sociological approach of establishing the laws of social development. Its timeliness at the time of the crisis of international law is noted. This requires its adaptation to new, changing conditions of social development. However, moving forward, it is necessary to fix the clear legal structures of international law. Inaccurate definitions of legal concepts, allow their ambiguous interpretation, complicate law enforcement and allow abuse. The encyclopedia is a basis that has fixed the most advanced views to date in the field of international law. It contains the best practices of the Russian, Soviet and, in a new quality, post- Soviet school. Given the volume of material, the article highlights the 1st volume of the Encyclopedia, which adequately characterizes the entire huge array of work.

MATERIALS AND METHODS. The article considers the 1st volume of the Encyclopedia of International Law in three volumes, uses scientific works presented in domestic and foreign science on the international legal regime of the Arctic sea spaces, the application of estoppel rules, regulatory and analytical material, and international judicial practice. The study is based on general scientific methods of cognition (systemic and structural approaches, analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction), as well as special methods (comparative legal, historical legal, modeling).

RESEARCH RESULTS. The 1st volume contains articles on international treaties, which are included in the textbooks of the course of international law and are little-known. There are articles on international organizations, specialized bodies and institutions; terms and concepts. A significant place in the Encyclopedia is given to international legal practice, including international judicial and arbitral awards. The authors of the Encyclopedia are leading scientists, many of whom have earned authority on a global level. The Preface focuses on the fact that numerous crisis phenomena and military conflicts of the last period in the world, including Ukraine, bring chaos to international relations and threaten peace and security. The Encyclopedia reflects the influence of modern challenges and threats on the level of effectiveness of the application of the principles and norms of international law, highlights the role and significance of the UN Charter. A significant place in the Encyclopedia is devoted to the historical aspects of the development of international law, starting with the treaties of Kievan Rus with Byzantium. The participation of Belarus, Russia and Ukraine as part of the USSR in the founding of the UN. Considered the collapse of the USSR, its consequences for international law. The way out of this situation is possible only by restoring the balance of forces and establishing a new world law and order on the basis of strict observance of the norms and principles of international law. Attention is paid to sharp historical topics. The encyclopedia contains a large selection of articles about personalities, among which are the founders of international law and current scientists. Some of them are given special attention in the article.

CONCLUSIONS. It is concluded that Russia could revise its position, voiced by the USSR, regarding the width of territorial waters in the Arctic Ocean. The encyclopedia of international law is the first systematic work that has collected knowledge in the field of international law in the post-Soviet space. The Encyclopedia reveals the features of the legal nature of international law and the content of its basic concepts and categories.