 International law governs relationships between states  The term “state” refers to a group that 1) is recognized as an independent country and 2) has a sovereign government that can enter into relations with other states. There are 191 sovereign states in the world today.  3 types of International Law Customary Law, Treaty Law and Resolution

 Based on the idea that states have certain rights and obligations. It recognizes basic principles of:  Sovereignty: a nations right to govern itself  Recognition: other countries must recognize you as a state in order to become one  Consent: in order to be bound by an international law, a state must give free consent and not be threatened.  Good Faith: conduct affairs reasonably and with common sense

 Freedom of the Seas: states do not have claim over high seas or air space above them  International Responsibility: when a wrongful act has been committed against another country (ex: environmental damage)  Self-defence: you can defend your country against other states but not use force against others  Humanitarianism: respect for humankind

 Binding written agreements freely entered into by the states. The main method of addressing international problems. Example Kyoto Protocol (1997)  To reduce “greenhouse gases” by 5% below 1990 levels  The problem: too many countries would not endorse because they put their country’s economic interests ahead of global interests

 Deals with matters such as:  Territory: ban seizure of territory in the world’s oceans, Antarctica and space  Diplomatic law and Immunity: diplomats and envoys have special privileges and do not suffer the same penalties as other citizens  The Protection of Nationals Abroad: people traveling to other nations have protection of life, liberty and property

 Extradition and Asylum: Extradition allows nations to bring people home who escape justice. If there is not such agreement a state may protect individuals  International Trade: NAFTA, where the US, Canada and Mexico do not have to pay tariffs (taxes) on good traded  Arms Control: Treaties aimed and preventing nuclear war (i.e.: limiting weapon production)

 Considered “soft law” because they are not binding. They are used to bring attention to issues or situations that demand quick action

 The United Nations: established on October 24, 1945 after WW2. Fifty-one states signed the United Nations Charter that committed them to preserving peace and promoting respect for human rights  The UN General Assembly cannot demand action, but they can influence with their resolutions  UN Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security. They can control the actions of other states such as arranging a cease- fire. Peace-keeping missions may be established to help maintain truce.

 Pearson was awarded the 1957 Nobel Peace Prize for recognition of his efforts with UN affairs. Since 1956, Canada has participated in all Peace keeping missions  The Security Council can also impose sanctions (penalties) on states for breaking relationships with other nations

 Is the court of the UN based in The Hague, Netherlands. Not much success, not many cases are seen by them. Only civil cases

 Created in 1945 in Nuremburg, Germany. Trying to create an international court.  The Charter defined three classes of international crimes: Crimes against peace War crimes Crimes against humanity

 In 1993 the UN created the International Criminal Tribunal in the Hague. In 1998 it became a permanent international criminal court and now hears cases related to war crimes such as the Rwanda genocide.