OUTLINE: INTRODUCTION ORIGINS OF INTERNATIONAL LAW Unit 4: International Law

BO8X4JAY 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 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 importance Western world dominated by successive civilizations and empires Middle East stabilized trade relations through treaties

Origins of International Law : Classical Period of International Law II. Peace of Westphalia 1648 Established the independence of many Western European states from the influence of the Pope New body of international law based on the principles of Roman law, Christianity, and natural law which recognized three basic principles: 1. State Sovereignty 2. Legal Equality 3. Pacta sunt servanda

Origins of International Law III 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 1989 The 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