International Law

Essay # 59347

International Relations
Law > International

International Law

This paper discusses the weakness of international law in governing international relations.

2,485 words () | 5 sources | MLA | 2005

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that international law differs in major areas from domestic law: (1) The scope of international law is much wider than the scope of domestic law; (2) Domestic law is the guideline that defines the relationship between specific bodies, the government, and the citizens, but there are no specific bodies in international law; and (3) International law is voluntary, whereas, domestic law is largely involuntary. The author points out that, when laws are first proposed, countries or states agree to them or reject them on the basis of their political interests. The paper concludes that international relations should be regulated according to the principles of international law as determined by the United Nations and its different organs.

Table of Contents
Difference between International and National Law
The Voluntary Nature of International law
Absence of Mechanism for Regulating International Relations
Political Considerations
Final Analysis

From the Paper:

"International relations are supposedly guided by a number of institutions and a defined body of law. The international arena is hardly a jungle in which countries may act as they choose with the only limitation upon their action being the presence of stronger states willing, and capable, of imposing restrictions upon them and regulating their behavior. In other words, within the context of international relations, state behavior is governed, not by IR theories but, by international law and international institutions, such as the United Nations. Furthermore, in cases where states behavior conflicts with the established regulations, their violations are either dealt with through the UN Security Council or through one of the international courts, depending upon the type of violations. Consequently, on this basis, one would assume international relations to be based upon a just system in which states are treated equally, in the sense that all are equally required to obey the law. However, this is not the case and international relations can almost be contrasted to a jungle because not only are the strongest not required to obey the law but also those under their protection are at equal liberty to disregard international law."