... status of law".2 Many "question, first the existence of any set of rules governing interstate relations, secondly, its entitlement to be called 'law' and, thirdly, its effectiveness in controlling states in 'real life' situations."3 Whether or not one rejects the designation of the term "law"4 to the social contract on the international plane, one cannot deny that some general principles of law do exist and "there are rules which states regard as binding on one another."5 Some of these sui generis rules reflect opinio juris, and have achieved jus cogens character. The fundamental principles governing international relations include the right to self-determination of peoples, prohibition of the threat or use of force, peaceful settlement of disputes and respect for human rights, international cooperation and good faith. These principles are collectively embraced by the international community as binding, and have erga omnes obligations which are maximi momenti to all states. Antonio ...

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