International Flashcards
What in the most basic sense is international law?
International law theoretically regulates relations between sovereign states which are theoretically seen as equal with same power - in reality far more Eurocentric and completely unachievable - just leads to poor rep.
What are some sources of international law?
Treaties (bilateral or multilateral)
International conventions
International customs
General principles of law recognised by “civilised nations”
Main bodies governing International law
United Nations
International Court of Justice
How can international law be associated to colonisation
Through colonisation we can see International law universalised to reflect the cultures and practices of Europe as the universal standards for all nations and societies to aspire to and as the basis of International relations.
Who and what is the main criticism of the idea of sovereign nations and sovereignty?
- Prof. Anthony Angie
- concept of sovereignty (treaty of Westphalia 1683, notion of statehood from 1933 Montevideo Convention on Rights and Duties of States) - so v. eurocentric
- which has meant the exclusion of other geographical spaces in the discussion of international relations and they’re available for colonisation
Is International law a direct source of English law?
Absolutely not - parliament can choose to ratify it and bring it into English law but the international law has no significance in English law
How does international Law engage with society?
- shapes and influences our laws
- determines how some legal frameworks, rights, doctrines & principles are seen as the normal way that laws should operate and so naturally exclude other ideas of legal theory
- ## Relationship between imperialism and the international law in terms of the civilising mission of international law to shape internal characteristics of societies (esp. developing ones)
