Treaty

Explanation

A treaty is a legally binding agreement between two or more states. Treaties cover a vast range of subjects: peace, trade, military alliances, human rights, environmental protection, and arms control. They must be negotiated, signed, and ratified according to each country's domestic process (in the U.S., the Senate must ratify treaties by a two-thirds majority). Key multilateral treaties include the UN Charter, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, the Geneva Conventions, the Paris Agreement on climate, and WTO agreements. Treaties form the backbone of international law and the multilateral system. States can withdraw from treaties, and treaty obligations must be balanced against national sovereignty.