Covert violation of international treaties

Collusion among governments

Nature

Covert violation of international treaties refers to the secret or concealed breach of agreements between nations, often involving actions that contradict the terms of established treaties. This problem undermines global trust, weakens the effectiveness of international law, and can escalate conflicts. Covert violations may include clandestine military activities, unauthorized weapons development, or hidden support for prohibited actions. Such breaches are difficult to detect and prove, complicating enforcement and accountability. The persistence of covert violations threatens international stability, erodes diplomatic relations, and challenges the credibility of treaty-based governance in addressing global issues such as security, disarmament, and human rights.

Background

The covert violation of international treaties emerged as a significant global concern during the Cold War, when secret programs and undisclosed activities undermined arms control and non-proliferation agreements. Revelations such as clandestine nuclear tests and unauthorized biological weapons research heightened awareness of the problem. Subsequent investigations by international bodies and whistleblowers have revealed persistent, sophisticated breaches, prompting ongoing debate about the effectiveness of verification mechanisms and the challenges of ensuring genuine compliance in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.

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 violation of international treaties is a grave and urgent problem that undermines global trust, destabilizes peace, and erodes the very foundation of international law. When nations secretly break their commitments, they not only endanger security but also set dangerous precedents for others to follow. Such actions breed suspicion, fuel conflict, and make genuine cooperation nearly impossible. The international community must confront and condemn these violations with unwavering resolve.

Counter-claim

The covert violation of international treaties is vastly overstated as a problem. Nations have always acted in their own interests, and secret breaches rarely impact the daily lives of ordinary people. International relations are built on pragmatism, not blind adherence to paper agreements. Worrying about hidden violations distracts from real, tangible issues that actually affect global stability and prosperity. This so-called problem is little more than bureaucratic hand-wringing.