“Without a credible system of sanctions it is wrong to speak of International Law. At most one can talk of ethical, diplomatic or political norms that influence, shape or constrain the conduct of states and of other international actors. But the notion of law must be reserved for an entirely different kind of system. Discuss.”

Despite the fact that international law is the predominant method for organising an increasingly global and complex international community, it has not had an easy time facing sceptics who question its credibility as a legal system which has alleged difficulty in the enforcement of its rules. Over the past several centuries, states have created legal rules to regulate their conduct in a wide variety of areas ranging from economic transactions to outer space.  Nevertheless, international lawyers have to face a recurring question as to the legal quality of the system of international law. Is it actually law?…(short extract)