What happens if you break international law? An animated explainer

Summary

International law violations have varying consequences. States invading others can face sanctions or military action, while individuals committing war crimes may be tried at international courts, a lengthy and complex process. Corporations, like energy companies spilling oil, could be subject to private international law, facing fines and other penalties. Despite enforcement challenges, international laws exist to guide responses to such breaches.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Breaking international law can have varying consequences.
• ⌛ Often, nothing happens immediately due to the time and cost of pursuing justice.
• ⚖️ If a state invades another, it breaks a fundamental international law, committing the crime of aggression.
• 🚫 Sanctions or military interventions are potential consequences for a state committing aggression.
• 🧑‍⚖️ Individuals who commit war crimes might be tried at an international court.
• ⏳ Trials for individuals can take decades and need their own country's cooperation.
• 🏭 Energy companies causing environmental damage may face private international law cases.
• 💰 Companies could face fines and punishments for environmental violations.
• 🛡️ Enforcing international laws is challenging, which sometimes leads to them being broken.
• 🗺️ International laws are meant to guide and provide a framework for when things go wrong.

Q & A

What happens if a state breaks international law by invading another country?

If a state invades another country, breaking international law, it can expect sanctions or even military intervention.

What is one of the most fundamental international laws that can be broken by a state?

One of the most fundamental international laws that can be broken by a state is the crime of aggression, such as invading another country.

What might happen to an individual who has committed a war crime?

An individual who has committed a war crime might be tried at an international court, a process that can take decades and requires the help of their own country.

How are war crimes prosecuted at the international level?

War crimes are prosecuted at the international level through trials at international courts, which can take a long time and involve the cooperation of the perpetrator's own country.

What could happen to an energy company that spills oil in the sea around another country?

An energy company that spills oil in the sea around another country might face fines and punishment under private international law.

What type of law would be involved in dealing with an energy company that has caused an oil spill in international waters?

Private international law would be involved in dealing with an energy company that has caused an oil spill in international waters.

Why are international laws sometimes broken?

International laws are sometimes broken because of the problem of effectively enforcing them.

What is the role of international laws despite the challenges in enforcing them?

Despite enforcement challenges, international laws serve to guide actions and responses when things go wrong.

What are some potential consequences for states that violate international laws?

Potential consequences for states that violate international laws include sanctions and military intervention.

What is necessary for an individual to be tried for war crimes at an international court?

For an individual to be tried for war crimes at an international court, it requires time, often decades, and the cooperation of the individual's own country.