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Flip to reveal answersWhat is a legal framework in global politics?
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All 11 Flashcards — Legal frameworks
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Question
What is a legal framework in global politics?
Answer
The body of rules — international law — that governs relations between states.
Question
What is international law?
Answer
The rules that govern how states behave toward each other, built from treaties, custom and the UN Charter.
Question
What are the sources of international law?
Answer
Treaties (agreements states sign), customary law (long-standing practice) and the UN Charter.
Question
What is a treaty?
Answer
A formal, binding agreement that states sign, such as the Paris Agreement.
Question
What is customary international law?
Answer
Rules that come from long-standing, widely accepted state practice.
Question
What is the enforcement gap?
Answer
There is no world police to make states obey — they comply mostly by choice, for reputation and interest.
Question
What is the ICC?
Answer
The International Criminal Court, which tries individuals for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Question
Why is the ICC a good example?
Answer
It can try leaders for the worst crimes, but has no police of its own and several powerful states are not members.
Question
What is the ICJ?
Answer
The International Court of Justice, which settles legal disputes between states.
Question
Why do states follow international law without a world police?
Answer
For their reputation, their interests, and to keep the whole system of rules working.
Question
Is international law 'real law'?
Answer
It is real and shapes behaviour on routine matters, but is weak against powerful states that choose to defy it.
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