Overview

Who polices the police? In a world of sovereign nations, there is no “World Government.” International law is a system of agreements and norms to keep the peace.

Core Idea

Sovereignty: The idea that a state has absolute power within its own borders. No other country can tell it what to do. International law is a voluntary limitation of sovereignty.

Formal Definition (if applicable)

Treaty: A contract between countries. (e.g., NATO, Paris Climate Agreement). Once signed and ratified, it becomes law.

Intuition

It’s like a neighborhood association. There are rules (don’t burn leaves), but if you break them, the neighbors can’t arrest you—they can only shun you (Sanctions) or fight you (War).

Examples

  • Geneva Conventions: Rules of war (Don’t shoot prisoners, don’t bomb hospitals).
  • Law of the Sea: Who owns the ocean? (12 miles out is yours; 200 miles is your economic zone).
  • International Criminal Court (ICC): Prosecutes individuals for genocide and war crimes.

Common Misconceptions

  • “It’s not real law.” (It is, but enforcement is weak. It relies on reciprocity—“I won’t kill your diplomats if you don’t kill mine.”)
  • “The UN is a world government.” (It’s a forum for discussion, not a government).
  • Customary International Law: Rules that everyone follows even without a treaty (e.g., Diplomatic Immunity).
  • Human Rights: Rights you have just by being human, regardless of what your government says.

Applications

  • Trade: WTO (World Trade Organization) rules.
  • Environment: Climate change treaties.

Criticism / Limitations

“The strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must.” (Thucydides). Powerful nations often ignore international law when it suits them.

Further Reading

  • Shaw, International Law
  • Sands, Lawless World