A MELTING SNOWBALL—DIFFICULTIES IDENTIFYING PARTICULAR CUSTOMARY INTERNATIONAL LAW

Abstract This article discusses the relationship between particular and general customary international law, grappling with academic views affirming that, ordinarily, the emergence of the former is a stage in the consolidation of the latter. It is argued that the higher standard of State consent required for the configuration of bilateral or regional custom suggests otherwise. In addition, it is also contended that a distinctive kind of opinio juris must be present for particular custom to arise: a conviction from the States concerned that their conduct is governed by particular (as opposed to general) customary law.