Covert violation of international treaties

Collusion among governments

Nature

Covert violation of international treaties refers to the clandestine actions taken by states or non-state actors that contravene the terms of legally binding agreements without overt acknowledgment. This problem undermines global governance, erodes trust among nations, and complicates diplomatic relations. Such violations can manifest in various forms, including secret military operations, espionage, or non-compliance with environmental or human rights commitments. The lack of transparency and accountability associated with covert actions poses significant challenges for international law enforcement and conflict resolution, ultimately threatening the stability of the international order and the effectiveness of multilateral agreements.

Incidence

In 1994 it was revealed that Russian whaling over the previous 40 years violated almost all the rules of the International Whaling Convention which they had signed, to the extent that 90% of their take was illegal. The information provided to the International Whaling Commission (IWC) on Soviet whaling was false. For example, in the 1961-62 season the former Soviet Union told the IWC that 270 rare humpback whales had been killed by four Antarctic fleets, whereas scientists on board reported that 1,568 were killed by one fleet alone. Since whaling was declared illegal after 1976, it was continued secretly and hugh amounts of fresh whale meat, said to be out of frozen storage, was sold to the Japanese.

Claim

Covert violations of international treaties represent a grave threat to global stability and trust among nations. Such clandestine actions undermine the very foundations of diplomacy, eroding the rule of law and fostering an environment of suspicion and conflict. When countries flout their commitments in secret, they jeopardize collective security and the progress made towards peace. It is imperative that the international community remains vigilant and holds violators accountable to preserve the integrity of treaties and promote a just world order.

Counter-claim

Covert violations of international treaties are often exaggerated and distract from pressing global issues. Nations operate in complex environments where flexibility is sometimes necessary for national security or economic stability. Focusing on these covert actions diverts attention from more significant challenges like poverty, climate change, and public health. Instead of fixating on treaty breaches, we should prioritize collaboration and constructive dialogue to address the real problems facing humanity today.