international law
C1Formal, Technical, Academic, Legal
Definition
Meaning
The system of rules, agreements, and treaties recognized and accepted by sovereign states as legally binding between them. It governs the relations between nations.
A specialized body of law concerning the rights and obligations of states, international organizations, and to some extent, individuals, in their interactions across national borders. It includes laws on war, diplomacy, trade, human rights, and the environment.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily refers to public international law, not private international law (conflict of laws). It is often debated whether it constitutes true 'law' in the same sense as domestic law due to the lack of a central global enforcement authority.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. British texts may reference the ICJ in The Hague more frequently, while American texts might reference specific US treaty practices.
Connotations
In both dialects, it has a formal, diplomatic connotation. In political discourse, it can sometimes carry connotations of idealism versus realpolitik.
Frequency
Similar high frequency in legal, political, and academic contexts in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
International law + verb (prohibits, allows, governs)Under + international lawIn accordance with + international lawA violation/breach of + international lawThe body/corpus of + international lawVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A court of international law”
- “To be on the right side of international law”
- “To test the boundaries of international law”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to treaties and regulations governing cross-border trade, investment, and arbitration (e.g., 'The merger was reviewed for compliance with international law.').
Academic
A core subject in law and political science departments, studied through cases, treaties, and scholarly debate.
Everyday
Used in news discussions about conflicts, human rights, or environmental agreements (e.g., 'The annexation was condemned as a breach of international law.').
Technical
Precise reference to specific conventions, customary practices, ICJ rulings, or legal doctrines like state sovereignty or diplomatic immunity.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The state was alleged to have breached international law.
- Nations must comply with international law.
American English
- The administration argued the action was justified under international law.
- They sought to enforce international law through sanctions.
adjective
British English
- She is a leading international law scholar at Oxford.
- The international law implications were profound.
American English
- He joined a top international law practice in New York.
- The report detailed the international law aspects of the case.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Countries should follow international law.
- The United Nations works to uphold international law.
- A war crime is a serious violation of international law.
- The treaty on climate change is a key part of international law.
- According to international law, diplomatic bags cannot be opened by customs.
- The doctrine of state sovereignty is a cornerstone of traditional international law, though it is increasingly challenged by human rights norms.
- The International Court of Justice adjudicates disputes concerning the interpretation and application of international law.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'INTERnational law' as the law that goes INTER (between) nations, like an INTERstate highway connects states.
Conceptual Metaphor
LAW IS A FRAMEWORK/BUILDING ("the architecture of international law", "foundational principles"), LAW IS A CONSTRAINT ("binding", "restrictions").
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate as "международное право" when referring to 'private international law' (конфликт законов).
- The phrase "право международное" is archaic; use "международное право."
- The English term covers both "публичное международное право" and broader conceptual usage.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'an international law' to mean a single rule; better: 'a principle of international law' or 'an international treaty').
- Confusing it with 'foreign law' (the domestic law of another country).
- Misspelling as 'internation law'.
Practice
Quiz
What is 'customary international law' primarily based on?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is considered law. While enforcement is decentralized, it is upheld through diplomatic pressure, economic sanctions, international courts, and the collective recognition by states of its binding nature.
Public international law governs relations between states and international entities. Private international law (or 'conflict of laws') deals with which country's domestic laws apply to private disputes involving foreign elements (e.g., a cross-border divorce).
Yes, primarily for core international crimes like genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, as seen in tribunals like the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Its main sources, per the ICJ Statute, are international treaties, customary international law, general principles of law, and (as subsidiary means) judicial decisions and scholarly writings.