Emerg Infect DiseidEmerging Infectious Diseases1080-60401080-6059Centers for Disease Control89032062639823Research ArticleGlobalization, international law, and emerging infectious diseases.FidlerD. P.davidfidler@law.indiana.eduIndiana University School of Law, Bloomington, Indiana 47405-1001, USA.Apr-Jun1996227784

The global nature of the threat posed by new and reemerging infectious diseases will require international cooperation in identifying, controlling, and preventing these diseases. Because of this need for international cooperation, international law will certainly play a role in the global strategy for the control of emerging diseases. Recognizing this fact, the World Health Organization has already proposed revising the International Health Regulations. This article examines some basic problems that the global campaign against emerging infectious diseases might face in applying international law to facilitate international cooperation. The international legal component of the global control strategy for these diseases needs careful attention because of problems inherent in international law, especially as it applies to emerging infections issues.