Estoppel im Völkerrecht – Antworten auf drei dogmatische Fragen

The literature and case law of international courts and tribunals on estoppel in international law displays a considerable neglect for doctrinal clarity and consistency. This blurs the arguably sharp line between estoppel on the one hand and unilateral acts such as recognition, waiver and acquiescence on the other. What is even more, the concept of estoppel itself as applied in the case law does not seem entirely settled either. This pertains to the requirements of estoppel as well as to the instances where an estoppel claim may be raised. This article fleshes out these inconsistencies in public international law literature and case law and attempts to develop a consistent and well-reasoned doctrine of estoppel in international law.