Public international law fundamentals: sovereignty, treaties, and international organizations, for an intro college course.
35 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.
- What is sovereignty in international law?
Show answer
The supreme authority of a state to govern itself within its territory and conduct foreign relations without interference from other states.- What are the four criteria for statehood under the Montevideo Convention?
Show answer
Permanent population, defined territory, government capable of maintaining order, and capacity to enter into relations with other states.- What is the Montevideo Convention?
Show answer
A 1933 treaty that defines the rights and duties of states and establishes the four criteria for statehood in international law.- What is recognition in international law?
Show answer
A state's acknowledgment of another entity as a state, usually expressed through formal diplomatic relations or explicit declaration.- Define a treaty in international law.
Show answer
A formal written agreement between states (or international organizations) that creates binding legal obligations under international law.- What is the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties?
Show answer
A 1969 treaty that codifies the law governing the formation, interpretation, amendment, and termination of treaties between states.- What does 'pacta sunt servanda' mean?
Show answer
A Latin principle meaning agreements must be kept; treaties create binding obligations that parties must honor.- What is a bilateral treaty?
Show answer
An agreement between two states that creates reciprocal rights and obligations for those two parties only.- What is a multilateral treaty?
Show answer
An agreement among three or more states, often open to all states or a large group of states.- What is the difference between signing and ratifying a treaty?
Show answer
Signing shows agreement to the treaty's text; ratification is the formal step that binds a state to the treaty's obligations.- Define customary international law.
Show answer
Rules derived from the consistent practice of states over time, accepted by states as binding legal obligations.- What is opinio juris?
Show answer
The subjective element of customary law: the belief among states that a practice is legally obligatory, not merely customary.- What is state practice?
Show answer
The objective, repeated conduct of states in their relations with one another that can form the basis of customary international law.- What is the International Court of Justice?
Show answer
The principal judicial organ of the United Nations, authorized to settle legal disputes between states and give advisory opinions.- What is the United Nations?
Show answer
An international organization founded in 1945 to maintain international peace, security, and promote cooperation among states.
FlashKeepers