International Relations Basics

Study Notes

Definition: Official relationships between governments, aiming to promote mutual understanding, cooperation, and peaceful resolution of disputes.
Key aspects:
- Diplomatic immunity: Protection from local laws and jurisdictions for diplomatic personnel and their families.
- Diplomatic missions: Embassies, consulates, and other representations of a state in another country.
- Diplomatic communication: Formal channels for exchanging information, negotiating, and resolving conflicts.

Definition: Universal entitlements to fundamental rights and freedoms, inherent to all human beings.
Key aspects:
- Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948): A foundational document outlining 30 fundamental human rights.
- International human rights law: A body of law protecting human rights, including conventions, treaties, and covenants.
- Human rights instruments: Legal documents, such as treaties and conventions, that promote and protect human rights.

Definition: Written agreements between states, outlining obligations and commitments on specific issues.
Key aspects:
- Bilateral treaties: Agreements between two states.
- Multilateral treaties: Agreements between three or more states.
- Treaty ratification: Formal process by which a state approves and becomes bound by a treaty.
- Treaty interpretation: The process of clarifying the meaning and scope of treaty provisions.

Definition: Entities established to promote cooperation, coordination, and collective action among states.
Key aspects:
- Intergovernmental organizations (IGOs): Organizations created by governments to address specific issues, such as the United Nations.
- International non-governmental organizations (INGOs): Independent organizations, such as the Red Cross, that operate internationally.
- International organizations' roles: Promoting cooperation, setting standards, and providing humanitarian assistance.

Definition: The concept of a state's supreme authority and independence within its territory.
Key aspects:
- Westphalian sovereignty: The principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of another state.
- Sovereignty and territorial integrity: The protection of a state's territorial boundaries and internal governance.
- Limitations on sovereignty: The recognition of human rights, international law, and the principle of non-interference.