33: International Law
- Page ID
- 11176
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)After reading this chapter, you should understand the following:
- The concepts of sovereignty, self-determination, failed states, and failing states
- The sources of international law, and examples of treaties, conventions, and customary international law
- How civil-law disputes between the parties from different nation-states can be resolved through national court systems or arbitration
- The well-recognized bases for national jurisdiction over various parties from different nation-states
- The doctrines of forum non conveniens, sovereign immunity, and act of state
The force and authority of a government in any given territory is fundamental to sovereignty. Historically, that was understood to mean a nation’s “right” to issue its own currency, make and enforce laws within its borders without interference from other nations (the “right of self-determination” that is noted in the Charter of the United Nations), and to defend its territory with military force, if necessary. In a nation at relative peace, sovereignty can be exercised without great difficulty. But many countries are in civil war, and others experience “breakaway” areas where force must be used to assert continued sovereignty. In some countries, civil war may lead to the formation of new nation-states, such as in Sudan in 2011.
- 33.1: Introduction to International Law
- This page discusses J.L. Austin's definition of law as a sovereign command and the challenges to state authority, including secession movements in the U.S. and Canada. It highlights conflicts over sovereignty that can lead to civil wars in failing states like Somalia and Afghanistan. The complexity of enforcing international law without a universal tribunal for oppressive leaders is noted, along with the U.S.
- 33.2: Sources and Practice of International Law
- This page examines sources of international law, highlighting treaties and conventions, their differences, and the need for ratification. It addresses customary law and challenges in enforcing foreign judgments. Additionally, it discusses forum-selection clauses for fair jurisdiction and the advantages of arbitration, including speed, cost-effectiveness, and privacy.
- 33.3: Important Doctrines of Nation-State Judicial Decisions
- This page explains the three bases of national jurisdiction: territorial, nationality, and objective territoriality, along with the doctrine of forum non conveniens in cross-border disputes. It covers the evolution of sovereign immunity in international law, influenced by state-owned enterprises and the U.S. Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act of 1976. Additionally, it discusses a case involving C.A.V.
- 33.4: Regulating Trade
- This page examines nation-states' trade controls, focusing on historical import tariffs and lighter export restrictions. It details U.S. export restrictions for national security, the development of trade agreements such as GATT and WTO for tariff reduction, and the ongoing debate between globalization benefits and drawbacks like outsourcing. Regional agreements like NAFTA and Mercosur are also mentioned for their roles in facilitating intra-member trade.
- 33.5: Cases
- This page discusses several Supreme Court cases focusing on jurisdiction and forum-selection clauses in international disputes. It emphasizes the enforcement of such clauses, aligning with international commerce principles, and affirms the ability to designate agents for service in different jurisdictions. Key rulings include upholding a foreign judgment and the appropriateness of the Mexican legal forum for tort cases despite limitations on damages.
- 33.6: Summary and Exercises
- This page explains the distinction between international and domestic law, highlighting the absence of a central enforcement authority for international law, which is based on treaties and customs. National courts deal with international disputes using doctrines such as sovereign immunity and arbitration. The evolution of trade regulation through GATT and WTO is noted, alongside U.S. export controls linked to national security.
Thumbnail: The Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands, which is the seat of the International Court of Justice. (Public Domain; Yeu Ninje via Wikipedia)