Conferences of the Parties beyond international environmental law: How COPs influence the content and implementation of their parent treaties

Abstract Conferences of the Parties (COPs) are intergovernmental meetings established by treaties to review and promote implementation their provisions. The literature on COPs is limited almost exclusively based multilateral environmental agreements. article departs from this scholarship show that now present in different areas international law discuss some ways which these bodies influence conventions establish them. In particular, it considers how affect content parent treaties. focuses four selected as case studies: WHO Framework Convention Tobacco Control; for Protection Promotion Diversity Cultural Expressions; Cluster Munitions; United Nations against Corruption. Based examination normative decisions adopted organs, argues COPs’ activities (i) specify develop setting procedural substantive standards states parties must meet comply with obligations; (ii) support seeking strengthen social political position, facilitating adoption measures parties. pursue second goal building momentum favour treaties, stigmatizing adversaries, connecting legal narratives.