What Is International Law?

International law, also called the law of nations or public international law, binds international actors to an agreed-upon set of standards. These laws regulate the relationship between sovereign states and also sets out laws for international organizations and individuals. International law changes rapidly to keep up with new circumstances and opportunities. It no longer just deals with international conflicts and peacekeeping measures; it also provides international trade and economic guidelines, diplomacy, human rights, international organizations, and space law.

International Law Examples

Conventions, agreements, treaties, and declarations are examples of international laws. They provide guidelines for how countries will interact with each other or how they will work together to solve a common issue like climate change.

Is International Law Legally Binding?

Legal scholars are split on whether international law can be called a type of law. Some argue that international law is a bit like municipal law in the sense that its primary function is to be used to settle disputes rather than create a guide for harmonious living. However, scholars who believe that international law is law give the following arguments:

• It sets regulations for international conduct
• There are international tribunals who will examine international law when deciding a dispute
• World nations follow international laws when doing things that impact the international community
• International law provides basic freedoms and protections for individuals worldwide
• The offices of international organizations, foreign offices, and national courts will practice international laws

International law is a law because it is treated as a law by countries, international agencies, and international organizations.

What Is the Role of International Law?

The primary function of international law is to promote global prosperity and peace among nations. The law aims to resolve international disputes and remove or at least reconcile opposing interests.

What Are the Benefits Of International Law?

International institutions that provide benefits to member nations is one of the biggest benefits of international law. They can provide access to new markets and remove barriers like trade tariffs. The World Trade Organization is one such example. There are also other international institutions that serve to protect human rights and resolve international disputes fairly and peacefully.

Types of International Law

• International criminal law
• International human rights law
• International humanitarian law
• Law of sea
• Refugee law
• The laws of war
• Treaties

How Are International Laws Created?

Two or more nations will decide that a new international law is required and speak to other nations about it. The nations will negotiate until they agree on a mutually beneficial agreement. An agreement involving two nations is called a bilateral agreement. An agreement involving more than two nations is called a multilateral agreement. Ambassadors and the appropriate ministers of each country will play a part in pitching and negotiating international law.

Who Enforces International Law?

There are a number of parties responsible for enforcing international law. The United Nations has a judicial branch called the International Court of Justice, which is responsible for advising on international laws and helping to resolve disputes. Interpol is an international police network to help countries solve international crimes.