Zerk Jennifer A. Multinationals and Corporate Social Responsibility: Limitations and Opportunities in International Law

Cambridge University Press, 2006. — 369 p.The ‘corporate social responsibility’ (‘CSR’) movement has been described as one of the most important social movements of our time. This book looks at what the CSR movement means for multinationals, for states and for international law. International law is often criticised for being too ‘state-centred’, and ill-equipped to deal with the challenges of globalisation. However, drawing from many and varied examples of state, NGO and corporate practice, this book argues that, while international law has its limitations, it presents more opportunities for the CSR regulation of multinationals than many people assume. The main obstacles to better regulation are, therefore, not legal, but political. Essential reading for anyone who wants to understand how international law works and how it can be used to further international CSR objectives.
Jennifer A. Zerk was admitted as a solicitor in Australia in 1991 and in England and Wales in 1993. She holds law degrees from the University of Adelaide and the University of London, and a Ph.D. in law from the University of Cambridge. Formerly an energy law specialist with a major London firm, she now works as an independent researcher and consultant, advising on the legal and regulatory aspects of ‘corporate social responsibility’.