Role of international society in Political obligation

The concept of Political Obligation is clear- obligation of state towards its subjects,
citizens towards the state and citizens towards each other. While political
obligation as a problem pertains to conditions that do not exist in international
relations (i.e in the international society consisting of different Nations), some of
the normative/basic features of political obligation are similar. While in domestic
political theory political obligation is a core concept, in international relations
between States it is rarely addressed. The reason that jurists suggest is the
understanding that the concept of political obligation is traditionally linked to life
inside the state and not outside the state. Political obligation refers to why anybody
would not only obey another person, but obey the authority of the state and abide
by the law. However, political obligation can be considered as important for
international relations, even if it may not serve as the foundational principle that it
is often used as in the domestic political philosophy literature.

Political obligation refers to many different types of commitments and duties,

some very basic ones, that relate to both domestic and international political life.
The basis of political obligation is some sort of juridical political justification for
the expectations or requirements from the citizens under which a state can
successfully function. It can be assumed that the moral philosophy that guides the
actions of individuals in a state, obliging him towards the State, can also apply in
international society. In a different framework, however, political obligation has
considerable relevance in international relations, insofar as the obligations pertain
to the duties held by states either in relation to each other and the society of states,
 or to humanitarian values. Political Obligation is the means through which respect
for humanitarian values is realized by States. In international relations there are
obligations to humanity that surpass the boundaries of states. However, one should
be aware that the concept of Authority is not the same way as understood within a
State. Domestic law takes place under conditions of sovereign authority, whereas
international law does not. Each state has its own sovereignty which is recognized
by every other state.

International society refers to the concept of a community of states or nations that

share common norms, values, and institutions, and interact with each other on the
global stage. It encompasses the relationships, interactions, and structures that exist
among sovereign states and other actors in the international system. Key elements
of international society include diplomacy, international law, human rights,
collective security arrangements, and norms of behavior such as sovereignty, non-
intervention, and peaceful resolution of disputes. The concept of international
society is central to understanding how states and other actors cooperate, compete,
and navigate global issues and challenges.

1. International Society:
 International society is a society of states, rather than one of individual
human beings or other sociologically significant groups, like nations,
religions, or any other form of collectivity.
 international society means ‘a group of state (or, more generally, a group of
independent political communities) which not merely form a system, in the
sense that the behavior of each is a necessary factor in the calculations of the
others, but also have established by dialogue and consent common rules and
institutions for the conduct of their relations, and recognize their common
interest in maintaining these arrangements.’
2. Political Obligation:
 Political obligation pertains to the moral or legal duties that individuals or
groups have towards the state or political community.
 It involves the idea that individuals owe allegiance or obedience to the
government or ruling authority, often based on factors such as citizenship,
social contract theory, or legal obligations.
  The nature and extent of political obligation can vary depending on
philosophical perspectives, cultural norms, and specific circumstances
within a given political system.

The relationship between international society and political obligation can be

understood in several ways:

Some basic Obligations on part of States under international relations is :

 Universal Declaration of Human Rights - Everyone is entitled to all the rights and
freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, color,
sex, language, religion, political or other opinion. national or social origin, property, birth
or other status.

Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, or international status of
the country to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, non-self-governing or under
any other limitation of sovereignty. Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.
No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the
law. International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights- It states that it is the
obligation of States under the Charter of the United Nations to promote universal respect for, and
observance of, human rights and freedoms. Realizing that the individual, having duties to other
individuals and to the community to which he belongs, is under a responsibility to strive for the
promotion and observance of the rights recognized in the present Covenant. It is obligation of the
states to ensure the equal right of men and women to the enjoyment of all economic, social and
cultural rights. Obligation of States to grant certain basic rights to the citizens like right to
education, right of everyone to the opportunity to gain his living by work which he freely
chooses or accepts, right of everyone to the enjoyment of just and favourable conditions of work
etc.

 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights- It states that each State should
undertake to respect and to ensure to all individuals within its territory and subject to its
jurisdiction the rights recognized in the present Covenant, without distinction of any kind,
such as race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social
 origin, property, birth or other status. Every human being has the inherent right to life.
This right shall be protected by law. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his life. No
one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or
punishment. In particular, no one shall be subjected without his free consent to medical or
scientific experimentation. It also states that no one shall be held in slavery; slavery and
the slave-trade in all their forms shall be prohibited by States. Everyone has the right to
liberty and security of person. All persons shall be equal before the courts and tribunals.
It further states that everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and
religion. This right shall include freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his
choice, and freedom, either individually or in community with others and in public or
private. to manifest his religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching.

1. Normative Framework: International society helps establish and reinforce norms

regarding political obligations. This includes norms related to human rights,
democratic governance, non-aggression, and respect for sovereignty. By promoting
these norms, international society shapes expectations regarding the behavior of
states and their obligations towards their citizens and the international community.
2. International Law: International law plays a crucial role in defining and enforcing
political obligations among states. Treaties, conventions, and customary
international law establish legal obligations that states are expected to uphold.
International society, through legal mechanisms and institutions such as the
International Court of Justice, helps ensure compliance with these obligations and
holds states accountable for their actions.
3. Monitoring and Reporting: International organizations and human rights bodies
monitor and report on states' compliance with their political obligations. This
includes assessments of human rights records, adherence to democratic principles,
and compliance with international agreements. By providing transparency and
accountability, international society encourages states to fulfill their political
obligations.
4. Conflict Prevention and Resolution: International society plays a role in
preventing conflicts and resolving disputes between states. By promoting dialogue,
mediation, and conflict resolution mechanisms, international organizations like the
United Nations contribute to maintaining peace and stability, which is essential for
fulfilling political obligations.
5. Capacity Building and Assistance: International society supports states in
building capacity and providing assistance to fulfill their political obligations. This
can include technical assistance in areas such as governance, rule of law, human
rights protection, and democratic institutions, helping states meet their obligations
more effectively.
6. Enforcement Mechanisms: International organizations such as the United
Nations may create mechanisms for enforcing political obligations, such as
peacekeeping missions or sanctions for non-compliance with international
norms and agreements.
7. Promotion of Democratic Values: International organizations and alliances often
promote democratic values and good governance practices, which can influence the political
obligations of states towards their citizens and the international community.
8. Global Governance: Institutions of global governance, such as the United
Nations, can play a role in shaping political obligations by setting standards for
state conduct, promoting cooperation, and addressing transnational challenges
that impact political communities.
9. Citizenship and Membership: Individuals' political obligations may also be
influenced by their status as citizens of a particular state or members of
international organizations, with rights and responsibilities defined by legal
frameworks and social norms.
10.Transnational/ International Challenges:
1. International society addresses transnational challenges such as
climate change, terrorism, and pandemics. These challenges often
require cooperation and coordination among states, leading to the
creation of political obligations to work together towards common
goals.

11.Peace and Security:

1. Efforts to maintain peace and security, such as through peacekeeping
operations and disarmament treaties, are part of the role of
international society. States may have political obligations to
contribute to these efforts and abide by international agreements
related to security and conflict resolution.
12.Development and Trade:
1. Economic aspects within international society, such as development
assistance, trade agreements, and investment treaties, can also impact
political obligations. States may have obligations to promote
economic development, trade fairness, and cooperation in global
economic governance.

In summary, international society influences political obligation through its

normative, legal, institutional, and practical dimensions. It establishes norms and
standards, creates legal frameworks, addresses global challenges, provides
governance structures, and shapes state behavior in various domains, all of which
contribute to the complex landscape of political obligations within and among
states.

Overall, international society contributes to shaping the norms, rules, and practices that define
political obligations among states and their interactions in the global arena.

Overall, international society plays a multifaceted role in promoting, enforcing,

and supporting the fulfillment of political obligations among states, contributing to
a more peaceful, just, and cooperative global order.