Summary
Highlights
International law primarily regulates the conduct of states, which are the main actors on the international scene. While responsibilities of international organizations and transnational corporations are becoming more relevant, traditional international legal instruments still primarily address states.
Unlike national legal systems that have a centralized authority (like a president or government), the international legal system is horizontal and decentralized. There is no single body responsible for making or enforcing international law.
Due to the absence of a central law-making or enforcing authority, states must agree or give their consent to assume legal obligations under international law.
In international law, responsibility is collective, meaning the entire state is held liable as a single legal entity for violations. While individual criminal responsibility exists for grave violations like war crimes, state responsibility is the primary focus.
All states possess equal rights and duties and are considered equal members of the international community, irrespective of their economic, social, or political differences. States are expected to respect the personality of other states.
States are prohibited from directly or indirectly intervening in the internal affairs of other states. This includes actions such as encouraging government overthrow, inciting political destabilization, financing terrorist activities, or using economic pressure, though the latter can be nuanced.
Article 2, paragraph 4 of the UN Charter prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. Exceptions include collective action for international peace and security (Chapter 7 of the UN Charter) and individual or collective self-defense if an armed attack occurs (Article 51 of the UN Charter).
Following the immense human suffering of World War II, there was a global understanding of the value of human life. Article 1 of the UN Charter emphasizes the purposes of maintaining international peace and security and promoting respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all.