Does international law work? In what situations is it most effective? In what situations is it least effective?

International law isn't very effective because there's not an effective police force to enforce it. An attempt to enforce international law leads to endless wars against rogue states and organizations.

In the past, international law was fairly effective with the Geneva Convention for prisoners of war and the ban on poison gas. However, they have still been used by countries that chose not to abide by these laws.

International law refers to the system of legal rules and principles that govern the conduct of states, international organizations, and individuals in their relations with one another. Whether international law "works" or is effective in achieving its objectives can vary depending on various factors.

Effectiveness of international law depends on several factors such as the support and compliance of states, enforceability mechanisms, and the nature of the issues being addressed. Here are some situations where international law tends to be more effective:

1. Treaty-based obligations: When states voluntarily enter into binding agreements, known as treaties, they are more likely to abide by their commitments. Treaties often have clear dispute resolution mechanisms and monitoring bodies to ensure compliance.

2. Customary international law: These are rules derived from consistent state practices that are accepted as legally binding. Customary international law is effective when a norm has become widespread and widely accepted by states.

3. International human rights law: States are generally more inclined to observe human rights standards, as there is a growing global consensus on the importance of protecting individual rights. International human rights treaties often have monitoring bodies that review states' compliance and issue recommendations.

On the other hand, there are situations where international law may be less effective:

1. Lack of enforcement mechanisms: International law lacks a centralized enforcement authority. If a state violates international law, consequences may depend on the actions of other states, including diplomatic pressure, economic sanctions, or even military intervention. In the absence of a robust enforcement mechanism, international law can be challenging to enforce.

2. Power disparities: International law may be less effective when there are significant power imbalances between states. Powerful nations often exert their influence and may not face the same consequences for violating international law as smaller or weaker states do.

3. State sovereignty and non-compliance: States' commitment to international law can be influenced by their perception of their own national interests. In situations where states prioritize their sovereignty or have conflicting interests, compliance with international law may decrease.

In summary, the effectiveness of international law can vary depending on the situation. It tends to work better when states voluntarily commit themselves, especially through treaties, and when addressing issues like human rights where there is a growing global consensus. However, it can be less effective when enforcement mechanisms are lacking, power disparities exist, and state interests prioritize sovereignty over international legal obligations.