Chapter 1 is a discussion of the scope of the concept of sustainable development. It examines the multiple dimensions of the concept and how these different angles to this concept have contributed to both its advance and decline in the law. This conceptual challenge accounted for the concept’s poor meaning and considerably poor performance. This chapter also provides insights into theoretical and methodological considerations underpinning this book, including the choice of Africa as the pivot of analysis and Third World Approaches to International Law as a scholarly approach.