Suspension of International Commitments

This study focuses on a mechanism frequently used in legal practice, but, surprisingly, often ignored in international doctrine: suspension. The mechanism of suspension is to be distinguished from more radical, but arguably less interesting mechanisms, such as revocation. Suspension will be analysed within the context of both conventional and unilateral international law commitments. For the first time, a general definition of suspension will be proposed, which sets it apart from the many similar notions with which it has been confused, such as dispense, exception of inexecution, force majeure, countermeasures, reservations, ..., and last but not least, denunciation and withdrawal. The proposed definition also aims to identify characteristics that are unique to suspension, as shown in treaty clauses, in diplomatic practice and case law, and as supported by « commitment theory ». The study will also clarify the legal regime of suspension, which, according to Fitzmaurice, involves « serious difficulties of classification and content ». Indeed, a closer look at suspension in practical terms reveals that there are not one, but two legal regimes of suspension. This eye-opening conclusion will not fail to engage the reader's interest and will contribute to our further understanding of the phenomenon of suspension