Editing International Law (section)

== <span style="color: #FFFFFF;">Understanding</span> ==
International Law is understood through the tension between '''Sovereignty''' and '''Cooperation'''.

'''1. The Sources of Law''':
* '''Treaties''': Like a contract for countries. If you sign it, you must follow it (''Pacta Sunt Servanda'').
* '''Custom''': "The way things have always been done." If every country respects a 12-mile ocean limit for 100 years, it becomes law even without a treaty.

'''2. The Problem of Enforcement''':
This is the biggest criticism of international law: "Who is the policeman?"
* '''Voluntary Compliance''': Most countries follow the rules because it makes trade and diplomacy easier.
* '''The Security Council''': Can authorize military force or sanctions (but can be blocked by a Veto).
* '''Public Opinion''': Countries don't want to be "Pariah States" (outcasts).

'''3. Public vs. Private International Law''':
* '''Public''': Relations between states (war, boundaries, human rights).
* '''Private''': Relations between individuals in different states (international business, cross-border divorce).

'''The Nuremberg Principles''': After WWII, the world established that "following orders" is not a defense for war crimes. This proved that there is a higher law than the law of your own country.
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