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The Relationship between International Relations and International Law
Author
Affiliation
Course
Instructor
Due Date
, 2
The Relationship between International Relations and International Law
Introduction
As the world grows more interconnected through trade, commerce, and immigration,
there is a growing need to understand how countries relate. International relations refers to the
direct or indirect human interaction between states. International relations between states can be
friendly, hostile, filled with disputes or war. On the other hand, international law regulates the
activities of international entities and regulates the structure and behaviour of international
organizations, individuals and multinational companies. In the absence of a governing and
enforcing entity, international law is rendered a voluntary endeavour where enforcement power
is left to parties to agree to abide by or abandon treaties. This is where international relations
explain the cross-national border interactions and the institutions regulating these interactions.
Therefore, while international relations explains the interaction between states and international
entities, international law regulates issues important in maintaining international relations
between subjects. The realism theory explains this relationship better because it focuses on state
power its real-life application as the most important element in understanding global politics.
The Concept of International Law
IL refers to legal rules governing inter-state relations or relational dynamics between
individuals within an international framework. IL norms comprise texts ratified by several states
in international treaties, conventions, and protocols. These norms can be bilateral, between two
countries or multilateral between several countries (Mingst et al., 2018). IL can be public or
private. Public IL focuses on the rights and obligations of states towards one another. This law
makes the state the main actor in IL. Public IL also encompasses international organizations,
including the United Nations and world trade organizations. It establishes laws for all aspects
The Relationship between International Relations and International Law
Author
Affiliation
Course
Instructor
Due Date
, 2
The Relationship between International Relations and International Law
Introduction
As the world grows more interconnected through trade, commerce, and immigration,
there is a growing need to understand how countries relate. International relations refers to the
direct or indirect human interaction between states. International relations between states can be
friendly, hostile, filled with disputes or war. On the other hand, international law regulates the
activities of international entities and regulates the structure and behaviour of international
organizations, individuals and multinational companies. In the absence of a governing and
enforcing entity, international law is rendered a voluntary endeavour where enforcement power
is left to parties to agree to abide by or abandon treaties. This is where international relations
explain the cross-national border interactions and the institutions regulating these interactions.
Therefore, while international relations explains the interaction between states and international
entities, international law regulates issues important in maintaining international relations
between subjects. The realism theory explains this relationship better because it focuses on state
power its real-life application as the most important element in understanding global politics.
The Concept of International Law
IL refers to legal rules governing inter-state relations or relational dynamics between
individuals within an international framework. IL norms comprise texts ratified by several states
in international treaties, conventions, and protocols. These norms can be bilateral, between two
countries or multilateral between several countries (Mingst et al., 2018). IL can be public or
private. Public IL focuses on the rights and obligations of states towards one another. This law
makes the state the main actor in IL. Public IL also encompasses international organizations,
including the United Nations and world trade organizations. It establishes laws for all aspects
