International Law & Global Governance: Core Concepts

League of Nations: Failure & Legacy

The League of Nations was an international organization established after World War I, aiming to prevent future global conflicts. Similar in ambition to the later United Nations, it ultimately failed to prevent World War II due to its decentralized structure, the neutral stance of many members, and a general reluctance among nations to engage in another war. While its direct impact was limited, it represents an important historical precedent for international cooperation.

International Criminal Court: Role & History

The International Criminal Court (ICC) handles international threats and disputes, serving as a crucial deterrent for international crimes. Historically, many international crimes went unpunished, with the first significant steps towards an international governing body for justice emerging only after World War II with the Nuremberg Trials.

Geneva Conventions: Protecting War Victims

The Geneva Conventions are a series of treaties that establish international humanitarian law. They mandate that countries cannot expel refugees seeking asylum from war, especially those in great danger if not accepted. Furthermore, these conventions do significant work on the humanitarian side of war, establishing fundamental rights for prisoners of war, the sick, and the injured.

Natural Law vs. Positive Law

Natural Law: This concept posits that law originates from a divine source or universal moral code, inherent and discoverable by reason.

Positive Law: This refers to laws created and enforced by an authoritative figure or established legal system, distinct from moral or divine principles.

Understanding the Extradition Process

The extradition process involves three distinct stages:

• Stage 1: Authority to Proceed

  The Authority to Proceed is formally issued by officials within the Department of Justice, initiating the extradition request.

• Stage 2: Judicial Phase

  A court hearing is conducted before a Supreme Court Judge, who assesses the legal merits of the extradition request.

• Stage 3: Ministerial Phase

  The Minister of Justice is required to make a non-delegable decision under the Extradition Act, determining whether to surrender the individual.

Key International Organizations

G7, G8, and G20: Economic & Political Forums

The G7 began in 1976 as a group of seven major industrialized countries: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. These nations convene to discuss important global political and economic issues. The G8 was formed in 1997 with Russia's inclusion but was suspended in 2014 following geopolitical events.

The G20 is a broader group comprising 19 countries plus the European Union. It holds an annual summit where political and socio-economic issues of global significance are discussed and negotiated, representing a significant portion of the world's economy.

United Nations (UN): Post-WWII Formation

The United Nations (UN) was formed shortly after World War II. Its establishment was largely prompted by the severe human rights infringements that occurred during the Holocaust, aiming to prevent such atrocities and foster international peace and cooperation.

Nuremberg Trials: Precedent for International Law

Following World War II, war officials from the defeated countries were brought to Nuremberg and put on trial for grave offenses, including ‘crimes against peace’ and ‘crimes against humanity’. These landmark trials served as the first significant example of punishment for international war crimes and became a foundational element in the development of modern international law.