International Organizations (I.O.s) and International Law

1. Key Themes

1. UNSC and International Law:

   • The UNSC creates and enforces international law through binding resolutions.

   • Example: UNSC resolutions on Iraq (1991) and Lebanon (2006) shaped global responses to conflicts.

2. Limitations of the UNSC:

   • The UNSC’s power is constrained by the interests of the P5 (U.S., UK, France, Russia, China).

   • Example: The 2003 Iraq War bypassed the UNSC, undermining its legitimacy.

3. International Court of Justice (ICJ):

   • The ICJ resolves disputes between states and provides advisory opinions on international law.

   • Example: The ICJ’s ruling on Nicaragua vs. U.S. (1986) highlighted the limits of U.S. intervention.

4. Compliance with International Law:

   • Compliance is voluntary and depends on states’ willingness to adhere to international norms.

   • Example: The U.S. withdrew from the ICJ’s jurisdiction after the Nicaragua ruling.

5. Symbolic Power of I.O.s:

   • I.O.s like the UN and ICJ derive power from their perceived legitimacy and authority.

   • Example: The UN’s Blue Helmets symbolize peacekeeping and global legitimacy.

2. Key Concepts

• UNSC Resolutions: Binding decisions by the UNSC that become international law under Articles 25 and 49 of the UN Charter.

• Article 2.7: Limits the UNSC’s intervention in domestic affairs, leaving interpretation to the P5.

• ICJ Jurisdiction: The ICJ’s authority to resolve disputes between states, though compliance is voluntary.

• Compliance: States’ adherence to international law, often driven by legitimacy and political interests.

• Symbolic Power: The authority of I.O.s derived from their perceived legitimacy and global recognition.

3. Key Thinkers and Their Arguments

• Ian Hurd:

  • The UNSC’s legitimacy is central to its power, but its authority is constrained by the interests of the P5.

• Ku:

  • The ICJ plays a critical role in resolving international disputes, but its effectiveness depends on states’ voluntary compliance.

4. Examples of I.O.s and International Law

• UNSC Resolutions:

  • 1991 Gulf War: UNSC authorized force to expel Iraq from Kuwait, showcasing the power of international law.

  • 2006 Lebanon War: UNSC Resolution 1701 authorized peacekeeping, reflecting elite pacts and stakeholder interests.

• ICJ Rulings:

  • Nicaragua vs. U.S. (1986): The ICJ ruled against U.S. intervention in Nicaragua, but the U.S. withdrew from the ICJ’s jurisdiction.

  • Ukraine vs. Russia (2017): The ICJ ruled against Russia’s actions in Crimea, though enforcement remains limited.