Transnational voluntary standards’ role in global governance

Abstract

Transnational voluntary standards, as a form of legal pluralism in global governance, are gaining increasing recognition for their ability to bridge the regulatory gaps between domestic and international law. This article provides an introductory exploration of the contextual and theoretical foundations underpinning the rise of standards as instruments of global governance. It critically examines their necessity in promoting international regulatory coherence, the challenges posed by their non-binding and voluntary nature, and the principal legal and institutional obstacles they encounter as regulatory frameworks. Through this analysis, the article tries to brief the efficacy and limitations of standards in addressing contemporary legal and governance challenges.