Week 1

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What does the 'A' in the IRAC method stand for?

Arguments

Approach

Analysis

Application (correct)

Which of the following best describes a sovereign state?

A community with a shared religion

An entity with the legitimacy to use physical force within its territory (correct)

An organization led by international treaties

A territory controlled by foreign powers

According to Hobbes, what is the purpose of establishing a Leviathan?

To promote free trade among states

To prevent chaos in a state of nature (correct)

To create equal power among all individuals

To facilitate international diplomacy

What is included in the concept of state sovereignty?

The guarantee of internal peace and external security Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a component of the definition of a state as per the Peace Treaty of Westphalia?

Economic Autonomy Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the first era of international relations before 1648?

Common acceptance of warfare and expansionism Signup and view all the answers

Which event marked the beginning of the second era of international relations?

Treaty of Utrecht Signup and view all the answers

What primary shift occurred with the founding of the United Nations in 1945?

War was declared illegal Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the third era from 1945 to the present?

NGOs emerged as significant actors on the international stage Signup and view all the answers

What did the concept of 'flipped sovereignty' introduced in the fourth era entail?

Sovereignty now includes the obligation to protect populations Signup and view all the answers

Which pact is known for renouncing war?

Kellogg-Briand Pact Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Treaty of Utrecht 1713 play in international relations?

It shaped early inter-state relations Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the increase in responsibilities of states in the modern era?

States are held accountable for the protection of human rights Signup and view all the answers

What treaty was significant in setting human rights standards following the establishment of the United Nations?

Universal Declaration of Human Rights Signup and view all the answers

Which conference aimed to promote peace and disarmament during the early 20th century?

Hague Peace Conferences Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Public International Law - Overview

Public international law is a system of rules and principles governing relations between sovereign states and their interactions with international organizations like the UN.

How to Answer Exam Questions

Use the IRAC method or a similar method (e.g., FIRAC).
- Facts: Summarize the relevant facts.
- Issue: Identify the area of law (e.g., State Responsibility, Collective Security) and formulate a legal question.
- Rule: Determine the relevant laws and rules.
- Application/Analysis: Apply the facts to the rules and relevant case law.
- Conclusion: Answer the legal question (often Yes/No) with an explanation.

What is a State?

A state is a human community claiming a monopoly on the legitimate use of force within a defined territory.
It is the basis of international law, having rights and responsibilities.
Relevant characteristics of a state include:
- Sovereignty: Governing authority of a state
- Territorial Integrity: Maintaining the state's borders
- Equality of States: All states are equal under international law

Eras of Sovereignty and International Law

Pre-Westphalia: States evolved (different tribes, empires, etc) with conflict accepted.
1648–1945 (Second Era): Rise of sovereign states with defined borders and use of diplomacy to resolve conflict
Notable examples include the Treaty of Utrecht, Congress of Vienna, Hague Peace Conferences, Kelogg-Briand Pact, League of Nations and the Montevideo Convention.
1945–present (Third Era): United Nations' establishment and development of human rights.
Notable elements include the UN's foundational principles and the emergence of international human rights.
Beyond 2005 (Fourth Era): Responsibilities to protect populations.

The Role of States

States are sovereign entities.
International law is made with their consent.
States largely influence international organizations.
Only states can participate in UN Security Council actions related to international peace.
States are the primary actors in international courts and tribunal proceedings, making and applying international law.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the fundamental principles of public international law, which governs the interactions between sovereign states and international organizations. Learn how to effectively answer exam questions using the IRAC method, focusing on facts, issues, rules, application, and conclusion.