International Law Exam Prof. Stetser UPDATED ACTUAL
Questions and CORRECT Answers
what is international law? International law is a decentralized system of legal rules governing relations
between states and other international actors. It is created through treaties,
custom, and general principles, and operates without a central authority above
states.
International law is decentralized, consent-based, and created through TCP.
(treaties, customs, and principles)
ex: The ICJ can rule against a state (like the U.S. in Nicaragua), but it cannot
force compliance—showing the decentralized nature.
: Why is international law a consent-based system? It is a consent-based system because states are sovereign and not subject to a
higher authority; they are only bound by rules they consent to, either explicitly
(treaties) or implicity (custom)
Mini Example:A country only follows a treaty like the Paris Climate Agreement
if it chooses to join it.
: What is the biggest weakness of international law? The biggest weakness of international law is the lack of an enforcement
mechanism, especially against powerful states.
The U.S. ignored the ICJ ruling in Nicaragua v. United States and faced limited
consequences.
What is a state? A state is defined under the Montevideo Convention of 1933 as having a
permanent population, defined territory, goverment, and capacity to enter
relations with other states. Easy Mnemonic: “People Do Good Relations”
(PDGR)
What are the four Montevideo requirements? Permanent population, defined territory, government, and capacity for
international relations.
France clearly meets all four: people, borders, government, and embassies
worldwide.
Why is statehood not purely legal? because political recognition determines whether an entity can actually
operate internationally.
Mini Example: Palestine is recognized by many states but still struggles with
full sovereignty.
Questions and CORRECT Answers
what is international law? International law is a decentralized system of legal rules governing relations
between states and other international actors. It is created through treaties,
custom, and general principles, and operates without a central authority above
states.
International law is decentralized, consent-based, and created through TCP.
(treaties, customs, and principles)
ex: The ICJ can rule against a state (like the U.S. in Nicaragua), but it cannot
force compliance—showing the decentralized nature.
: Why is international law a consent-based system? It is a consent-based system because states are sovereign and not subject to a
higher authority; they are only bound by rules they consent to, either explicitly
(treaties) or implicity (custom)
Mini Example:A country only follows a treaty like the Paris Climate Agreement
if it chooses to join it.
: What is the biggest weakness of international law? The biggest weakness of international law is the lack of an enforcement
mechanism, especially against powerful states.
The U.S. ignored the ICJ ruling in Nicaragua v. United States and faced limited
consequences.
What is a state? A state is defined under the Montevideo Convention of 1933 as having a
permanent population, defined territory, goverment, and capacity to enter
relations with other states. Easy Mnemonic: “People Do Good Relations”
(PDGR)
What are the four Montevideo requirements? Permanent population, defined territory, government, and capacity for
international relations.
France clearly meets all four: people, borders, government, and embassies
worldwide.
Why is statehood not purely legal? because political recognition determines whether an entity can actually
operate internationally.
Mini Example: Palestine is recognized by many states but still struggles with
full sovereignty.
