International Law Concepts and Goals

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of international law?

To establish global government authority over states.

To create bilateral agreements exclusively.

To punish states for breaches of conduct.

To change state behavior and ensure certain standards. (correct)

Which of the following terms describes a system with one dominant power?

Dualist

Unipolar (correct)

Multipolar

Bipolar

In the context of international law, what is 'soft law'?

Unwritten guidelines that are generally accepted. (correct)

Advisory opinions from international courts.

Legally binding agreements between states.

Strict national laws that must be followed globally.

What is one requirement for a state to have legal personality in international law?

A permanent population Signup and view all the answers

How does horizontal enforcement work in international law?

States enforce laws over each other collectively. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a bilateral treaty?

Agreement between two countries for resource sharing. Signup and view all the answers

In a dualist approach to international law, how are international and domestic laws viewed?

They are seen as independent and mutually exclusive. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of regimes in international relations?

To centralize decision-making for efficiency. Signup and view all the answers

What concept emphasizes that states should not impose on those who have not harmed them?

Harm principle Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes liberalism in international relations?

It values the protection of individuals and promotes equal opportunities. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the United Nations is true?

States must consent to be under UN jurisdiction. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of international system is characterized by having only one hegemon?

Unipolar Signup and view all the answers

What outcome is associated with a liberal international order?

Integration of nations into institutions designed by a dominant state. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of cooperation in the context of state goals?

To achieve interdependence for mutual benefit Signup and view all the answers

What is embedded liberalism primarily focused on?

Promoting limited and accountable power Signup and view all the answers

What role do international institutions play in the international system?

They coordinate different actors for specific purposes. Signup and view all the answers

What is horizontal enforcement in the context of international law?

People enforcing legal norms and obligations. Signup and view all the answers

How do liberal institutionalists differ from realists in their approach to international relations?

They promote cooperation rather than competition Signup and view all the answers

What does a monist perspective on international law imply?

Domestic law is derived from international law and subject to it. Signup and view all the answers

What is a fundamental concept in constructivism regarding the existence of states?

States require collective agreement for their existence Signup and view all the answers

What does the game theory approach suggest about decision-making in international relations?

Cooperation leads to better long-term outcomes Signup and view all the answers

What is the defining characteristic of customary international law?

It consists of unspoken rules generally followed Signup and view all the answers

General principles of law differ from customary law in that they are:

Rules that are universally applicable across multiple legal settings Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a source of international law?

Principles of political theory Signup and view all the answers

What defines the nature of the international structure according to structural realism?

Anarchy Signup and view all the answers

What type of strategies does defensive realism advocate for states to ensure security?

Moderate defensive strategies Signup and view all the answers

How does offensive realism suggest a state can ensure its security?

By maximizing its share of power Signup and view all the answers

What must treaties be in order to be realistically signed by states?

Mutually beneficial Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the enforcement of treaties in international law?

Horizontal enforcement by peer states Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of legal personality in international law?

Any entity capable of entering legal relations Signup and view all the answers

What is a fundamental assumption of structural realism regarding states' actions?

States prioritize their own interests, even at others' expense Signup and view all the answers

What is the pessimistic view that structural realists hold about interdependence among states?

It is viewed as a potential source of conflict Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Terms

Realism: Offensive and defensive
Liberalism
Constructivism
Sovereignty
Sources of law: Four main sources
Soft law
Autonomy
Game theory in law
No global government
Monist
Dualist
Subjects of IL: States, nations, individuals, etc.
Horizontal enforcement
Treaties: Multilateral and bilateral
United Nations
Unipolar, bipolar, multipolar

Goals of the State

Security
Stability
Prosperity

International Law Enforcement

Created by states to control states
Predictability
Outcomes can be controlled even without a body capable of unilateral prosecution
Customary law provides unwritten guidelines on how to interact with other parties
International law operates through horizontal enforcement
Its purpose is to influence and change state behavior to maintain international stability and order

Liberal International Order

Dominant state is a liberal democracy, unipolar
The dominant state tries to remake the world in its own image
Integrates states into institutions
Example: The U.S. post-Cold War
States build systems that lead to certain outcomes

Liberalism

States should address citizens as equals, protecting their freedom to act
The harm principle: do not harm those who have not harmed you
International systems create opportunities for cooperation and conflict
Institutions like the UN create collective security efforts
Cooperation is the best way to achieve state goals
Liberalism is embedded into the system
Limited and accountable state power
Liberal institutions' aims are to promote, promote interdependence, create positive-sum games, and encourage cooperation and mutual benefit.

Constructivism

Tries to overcome security dilemmas via international institutions
Realists seek power; constructivists seek security
The world is built through interactions; if people agree something doesn't exist, it doesn't
Processes need to be agreed upon
Questions about state creation in the 1600s

Game Theory

Decisions affect others
Cooperation is often the best long-term strategy for all parties
Maximizing outcomes involves cooperative actions

Sources of International Law

Customary law; international custom
General principles
Judicial decisions
International treaties

Customary Law

Unspoken rules
Should be followed
Must be generally practiced to be considered customary law

Actors in International Law

States (must have permanent population, territory, government, and capacity for international relations)
International organizations (formed by states)
Nations (groups of people sharing common identity)
International law and domestic law are either separate or international law is superior to domestic law

United Nations

Not a binding law-making body
States must consent to UN jurisdiction
Intended to enable predictability and security among states
Permanent members can veto decisions to intervene in conflicts

Polarity

Multipolar: Multiple hegemons
Bipolar: Two hegemons
Unipolar: One hegemon

Regimes

Principles, norms, rules, and decision-making processes
Converge to create uniform ways of doing things
Centralized decision-making leads to efficiency

International Institutions

Coordinated arrangements
Created by powerful states

Structural Realism

International structure is defined by anarchy
Power is the most important factor
International order is decentralized

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Description

This quiz covers key terms and concepts in international law, including realism, liberalism, sources of law, and the goals of the state. It examines how international law influences state behavior and maintains global order. Test your knowledge on these important topics in the field of international relations.