Answer These Units Discussion Questions In Your Own Words

In Your Own Words Answer This Units Discussion Questions In A Main P

In your own words, answer this unit's discussion questions in a main post (recommended minimum 350 words) Assignment Details To better understand a treaty, one might look at it as a contract. There must be parties willing to enter into an agreement. An offer is made by one or a group of parties and is accepted by another party or parties. Part I Respond to the following questions: Why is a treaty considered or referred to as a contract ? Can you find examples of treaties between two or more countries that demonstrate your answer? What happens when a party or parties to a treaty breach this contract? Can you find any examples where treaties between two or more countries were breached?

Paper For Above instruction

A treaty is often regarded as a form of international contract because it establishes legally binding obligations between sovereign states. Like a contract, a treaty involves parties (countries) that voluntarily agree to certain terms and conditions through an offer and acceptance process. This analogy emphasizes the legal binding nature of treaties, which, once ratified, create rights and responsibilities akin to contractual obligations within the international legal system. The fundamental principle underpinning treaties is the consent of the involved parties, which distinguishes them from unilateral declarations or mere agreements without legal force. A classic example of a treaty functioning as a contract is the North Atlantic Treaty, which established NATO in 1949. Member states entered into a mutual defense agreement, promising to defend each other if one was attacked, embodying contractual obligations formalized through ratification and legal commitments. Another example is the Treaty of Versailles (1919), which ended World War I and imposed obligations on Germany and other nations. Although different in nature, these treaties demonstrate binding commitments negotiated by sovereign states, akin to contractual agreements.

When a party breaches a treaty, it violates the legal obligations it voluntarily accepted, which can lead to significant diplomatic and legal repercussions. Breaches can result in sanctions, breakdowns in diplomatic relations, or even armed conflicts if the breach is substantial. An illustrative example is the 2003 invasion of Iraq by the United States and allied forces, which was perceived by some as a violation of international agreements, specifically the UN Security Council resolutions. Although the legality of the invasion remains contested, it exemplifies how breaches of treaties or resolutions can provoke complex international disputes. Similarly, the situation between Israel and Palestine involves multiple treaties and agreements that have been repeatedly violated or not fully implemented, leading to ongoing conflict and instability. The Treaty of Peace with Japan (Treaty of San Francisco, 1951) is another example; although largely honored, disagreements and breaches of certain provisions have occurred over the years. Overall, treaty breaches threaten international stability and often prompt diplomatic efforts, sanctions, or legal proceedings to address violations. These examples highlight the fragile yet critical role treaties play in maintaining international order and the consequences that arise when their terms are not upheld.

References

• Brownlie, I. (2008). Principles of Public International Law. Oxford University Press.
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• United Nations. (1945). Charter of the United Nations. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/en/about-us/un-charter
• United Nations. (2008). Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties. Retrieved from https://legal.un.org/ilc/texts/instruments/english/conventions/1_1_1969.pdf
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