A REVIEW OF INTERNATIONAL LAW AND TREATY RELATIONSHIP IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Abstract

This work reviewed the reality of treaty relationship in International relations. As a notable tool in organization and community, law has directed and regulated relation among states especially in their pursuit of interests’ in the International arena. International law has been the rules put in place to guide these relationships. It is International law that has continued to set out principles and frame works that moderates and harmonizes State interests. International law is likened to customary law because it is a product of the conscience of State as there is a general repetition of similar acts that maintains international relations. International law has developed in accordance with the unfolding trends in International relations, notable among which is treaty relationships. A treaty is an agreement, formal or informal between States, governed by International law. The law of treaty according Umuozurike 1999, is more or less a codification of existing customary law on which International law is based upon. Treaty relationships in International law creates rights and obligations that give Parties contractual capacity in International law. To justify the importance of treaty in International relations, the work examined the element of Statehood as the major actor in International relations. The history of International relations traced back to the 1648 Peace of WestPhalia that ended the 30 years war gave States sovereign rights in International law. In the International system, the existence of sovereign authority is universally recognized as the essential qualification of its membership in the International community, where the United Nations has played very notable role. International Institution building has remained the most important transformation in the development of International relations. The establishment of the United Nations in 1945 marked a significant milestone in the history of International relations that this study made a slight analysis on. The laws governing treaty relationships was on the initiative of the United Nations in her quest to fulfil her aims and purpose to maintain International Peace and Security. States are bound by treaties duly entered into. From the definition of treaty, to the formalities in signing, to the ratification, reservation, registration and deposit, application and operations, to termination as reviewed, shows that treaties are very fundamental in the formation of International Law and International relations.