Informal Norms in Global Governance

Hein and Moon take up a serious problem of contemporary global governance: what can be done when international trade rules prevent the realization of basic human rights? This book recounts the remarkable story of the access to medicines movement and offers an explanation for how the 'access norm' emerged against long odds. It also explores the stability and scope of the norm with respect to other diseases and emerging economies. Finally, in light of the high barriers to changing formal global trade rules, the book considers the potential and limitations of informal norms for protecting human rights, and when renewed focus on changing formal norms may be warranted.