International law rests on a foundational principle: the prohibition of the use of force, enshrined in Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter. Only two exceptions to this rule exist: the right to self-defense in response to an armed attack (Article 51) and Security Council authorization.

yumscious quotes:

• the mere capacity for an adversary is framed as an intolerable risk
• undermining the credibility of moderators who champion negotiation, and may accelerate the process of creating nukes just because its proven that diplomacy offers no protection against foreign protection. It also further weakens regional and international mechanisms designed to CONTAIN such crises through DIALOGUE AND OVERSIGHT.

new words:

• tenuous (links between) _(very weak or slight)
• biliteral (disputes between two countries)
• multilateral
• unilateral