In modern international law, permanent sovereignty over natural resources has come to entail duties as well as rights. This study analyses the evolution of permanent sovereignty from a political claim to a principle of international law, and examines its significance for a number of controversial issues such as people's rights, nationalization and environmental conservation. Although political discussion has long focused on the rights arising from permanent sovereignty, Dr Schrijver argues that this has been at the expense of the consideration of the corollary obligations it also entails. His book thus identifies directions sovereignty over natural resources has taken in an increasingly interdependent world and demonstrates its relevance to debate on foreign-investment regulation, the environment and sustainable development.

"This book has a great deal to offer....written for students of international law and...political scientists, historians, geographers, and others from consulting this authoritative text....this text is rooted in a...well-crafted empirical study...." Peter J. Stoett, International Journal

"Schrijver's careful and thorough analysis of the evolution of permanent sovereignty demonstrates not only rhe protean nature of the principle, but also its continuing vitality." J. Owen Saunders, Alberta Law Review