“Inter” – “Nation”
- Suggests that it involves “states” only
- International relations have evolved to include not only states but
other persons granted international personality (e.g. UN)
Distinction
International
customs
International General
treaties and Principles of
conventions Law
Primary
2 schools of thought
1. Monists – No distinction
2. Dualists – There is a distinction
International law vs. Municipal law
Problems:
1. States are co-equals
2. International law is not enacted by a single authority
▪ Compromise position
▪ International law is binding because of the law of nature and
consent of states
▪ It is based on right reason and practice of states