Key International Treaties and Declarations

This document outlines significant international treaties and declarations that shape global governance, human rights, and peacekeeping.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)

Scope: Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, the UDHR outlines fundamental human rights universally afforded to all individuals.
Key Theories: Reflects the principles of natural rights and global citizenship.
Global Governance: Serves as a foundational document for subsequent human rights treaties and national constitutions worldwide.
Foreign Policy: Countries reference the UDHR in human rights dialogues and foreign aid considerations.
Geopolitics: Used as a standard for evaluating the human rights practices of nations, influencing international relations.
Security and Peacebuilding: Advocates for a world where dignity and freedom contribute to peace and security.
International Law: Basis for the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).
Emerging Issues: Addresses contemporary challenges like digital privacy and post-colonial rights.

Scope: Four treaties established between 1864 and 1949 that establish international legal standards for humanitarian treatment during war.
Key Theories: Emphasise the need for humanity in warfare, reflecting theories of just war and humanitarian intervention.
Global Governance: Led to the establishment of the International Committee of the Red Cross as a neutral intermediary in conflict zones.
Foreign Policy: States incorporate Geneva Conventions into military training and conduct, influencing military strategies.
Geopolitics: They elevate the importance of civilian protection in armed conflicts, impacting international diplomatic negotiations.
Security and Peacebuilding: They provide a framework for accountability and justice in post-conflict reconstruction.
International Law: Integral in the establishment of war crimes tribunals and the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Emerging Issues: Address modern challenges such as cyber warfare and the treatment of refugees in conflict.

Scope: Opened for signature in 1968, the NPT aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
Key Theories: Relies on deterrence theory and collective security concepts.
Global Governance: Establishes a framework for disarmament negotiations and civil nuclear energy cooperation.
Foreign Policy: Countries align their nuclear policies towards non-proliferation, influencing arms control agreements.
Geopolitics: Strategic international relations involving nuclear states shape global security dynamics and alliances.
Security and Peacebuilding: Seeks to minimise the threat of nuclear war and promote regional stability.
International Law: Underpins various arms control treaties and resolutions within the UN Security Council.
Emerging Issues: Addresses challenges posed by nuclear terrorism and the potential for new states to acquire nuclear capabilities.