the.com/international treaties
Countries pinky-swearing on paper, backed by nothing but reputation and mutual paranoia.
means A treaty is a written agreement between states that creates binding obligations under international law, enforced mostly by trust, trade leverage, and shame.
from From Latin tractare, to handle or negotiate; the practice formalized as sovereign states multiplied after the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, when Europe decided borders needed paperwork, not just battles.
no world policeenforcement relies on other states caring enough to act
vienna convention1969 treaty literally governs how treaties work
exit clauses existwithdrawal is often just a signed letter away
ratification lagsigning and legally binding can be years apart