Introduction

Although the fact that the political environment is constantly undergoing change is easily observable, international law is frequently expected to evolve commensurately. This chapter deals with the evolving foundations of international law, or what may be considered contemporary values. It examines the expansion of the concept of a "crime" and the need for prosecuting and punishing or sanctioning individuals found to violate the accepted standards set by the world community, branded as hostis humani generis. In the United Nations in 2004 self-examination for the need for institutional reform highlighted the "emerging norm that there is a collective international responsibility to protect exercisable by the Security Council authorizing military intervention as a last resort." The emergence of the new corporate phenomenon of the multinational corporation (MNC), especially as it operates within the confines of international law, is covered by Emeka Duruigbo.