What does international law govern?

International law serves as a framework that governs the rights and responsibilities of states and other international actors in their interactions with one another. This body of law encompasses a wide range of areas, including treaties, trade agreements, environmental regulations, and humanitarian laws, thereby facilitating order and stability in international relations. The significance of this choice lies in its comprehensive nature, which recognizes that a variety of entities—such as international organizations, multinational corporations, and non-governmental organizations—also possess certain rights and obligations under international law, not just states themselves.

While trade agreements, human rights, and cultural exchanges are all important aspects of international relations, they represent only specific facets of the broader legal system. Trade agreements fall under international trade law, human rights law focuses on the protection of individuals, and cultural exchanges pertain more to soft diplomacy and the promotion of mutual understanding, rather than the binding legal structures that international law encompasses. Thus, the accurate understanding of international law highlights its encompassing nature beyond any single domain, making it essential for maintaining a structured and functional global community.