What makes international law binding? This is a question that has often interested theorists and jurists. It has been regarded as identical with the question of what is the basis of obligation in international law. The meaning of the question being asked is sometimes not entirely clear. Being concerned with the binding force of international law may be easier to understand than speaking of the basis of obligation. It would be reasonable to assert that to talk of the binding force of law has a more accurate and specific connotation than referring only to the impact of obligations under the law. The meaning of the question being asked is sometimes not entirely clear. Being concerned with the binding force of international law may be easier to understand than speaking of the basis of obligation.1 It would be reasonable to assert that to talk of the binding force of law has a more accurate and specific connotation than referring only to the impact of obligations under the law. This is a minor point but is worth noting.
