Law
The Doctrine of Erga Omnes Obligations in International Law
Quick fact
In 1970, the International Court of Justice declared that some obligations are owed to the international community as a whole, not just to particular states. This groundbreaking idea created a category of rights that any state can seek to protect, even if it hasn't suffered direct injury.
Why this is interesting
You've likely heard that international law is only binding between states that agree to it. But what if a state violates a rule that concerns everyone, even states not directly harmed?