OUTLINE:• INTRODUCTION• ORIGINS OF INTERNATIONAL LAW

Unit 4:International Law

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The Numbers......In Perspective

Fortunately, groups such as the United Nations are working hard to make sure that the village of the future is a good

home for all who live in it.

Their goal is a global village in which food, shelter, and other necessities are basic rights for all.

Introduction to International Law

International Law:is a system of principles and rules developed

primarily to regulate the conduct of independent world states.

Function:

1. Builds international cooperation and harmonization of common pursuits

2. Sets out standards and procedures to minimize conflict arising between states

Introduction to International Law

State Sovereignty:Recognizes that every nation has complete

control over its territory, people and choice of government and freedom from interference by any other state

Introduction to International Law

International law is difficult to enforce because:

No world government No worldwide police force No mandatory court structure in existence

Conflicting interests Differing opinions of justice International conflict Struggles for power

Introduction to International Law

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HDMS Absalon

What is the “dilemma” that the crew of the HDMS Absalon face?

Introduction to International Law

Conflicts may result from:1. Unintentional actions of citizens or states

(eg. Polluting the Great Lakes)2. Deliberate actions of a state (eg. Syria’s

alleged use of chemical weapons on their own people, 9/11)

3. Trade embargo (eg. Cuba and the U.S.)

Origins of International Law

I. Pre-1648:International law was of limited importanceWestern world dominated by

successive civilizations and empiresMiddle East stabilized trade

relations through treaties

Origins of International Law

1648-1945: Classical Period of International LawII. Peace of Westphalia 1648Established the independence of many Western

European states from the influence of the PopeNew body of international law based on the

principles of Roman law, Christianity, and natural law which recognized three basic principles:

1. State Sovereignty2. Legal Equality3. Pacta sunt servanda

Origins of International Law

III. 1945-1989

New rule prohibition of the use of force as a tool of any state’s foreign policy

New international constitution The United Nations Charter

Origins of International Law

Recognition of individuals in international law meant:

1. That they could be held criminally responsible for their wartime atrocities (eg. Nuremburg Trials)

2. Individuals who were systematically mistreated in any state were given the right to petition international organizations for protection

Origins of International Law

IV. Post 1989The U.N. was permitted to act to remove

threats to international peace and security

Non-states now included under international law, such as: People wishing to form an independent nation Multinational corporations International organizations (NGOs) Private nongovernmental organizations