Melnyk S. Unilateral Acts of State in Modern International Law

The dissertation deals with the development of unilateral juridical acts of states in international law, explores their role and place within the international legal system, draws attention to the difference between unilateral acts stricto sensu and similar juridical notions with unilateral nature, looks into the correlation of unilateral acts with international treaty and customary law. The author discloses the legal contents of the notion of "unilateral juridical act of state", describes its main elements, and proposes a definition of unilateral acts. Also, the author assesses the basic categories of unilateral acts namely promise, renunciation, recognition, and protest, investigates their specifics, suggests definitions of these acts. On the basis of state practice with particular emphasis on Ukraine, the thesis studies the application of various categories of unilateral acts according to international law. The author thoroughly examines the codification work of the International Law Commission in the sphere of unilateral acts and analizes the Guiding Principles applicable to unilateral declarations of States capable of creating legal obligations, which were approved by the Commission in 2006.