International Law and Diplomacy Questions and Answer

International Law and Diplomacy

International vs Domestic Law: Global rules vs national laws.

Enforcement: Based on consent, cooperation, and reputation.

Power and Law: Strong states influence; small states rely on rules.

Sovereignty: Now linked to responsibility and interdependence.

Digital Diplomacy: Fast, transparent, but risky (misinformation).

Treaties: Success needs fairness, clear goals, and compliance.

ICC: Promotes justice but faces bias and power challenges.

Peacekeeping: Limited by politics, resources, and mandates.

Regional Cooperation: Supports UN, adds local legitimacy.

Ethics: Builds trust and legitimacy in diplomacy.

Cyber & Environment Law: Expands global legal scope.

Global Reforms: Need fairness, inclusion, and accountability.

Modern Diplomacy: Multidisciplinary and tech-driven.

1. International Law and Diplomacy
By: Mohamed Hersi Farah
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1. How is international law different from domestic law?
English: Domestic law is created and enforced by a single state’s institutions (legislature, courts,
police). International law governs relations between states and other international actors, relying
largely on treaties, customary rules, and diplomacy; enforcement is decentralized and depends on
consent, reciprocity, and institutions like courts or sanctions.
Somali: Sharciga gudaha wuxuu ka yimaadaa oo ay dhaqan geliso hay’adaha hal dawlad
(baarlamaanka, maxkamadaha, booliska). Sharciga caalamiga ah wuxuu xukumaaya xidhiidhada
u dhexeeya dawladaha iyo hay’adaha caalamiga ah, wuxuuna ku salaysan yahay heshiisyo,
caadooyin, iyo diblomaasiyad; dhaqan-gelintu waa mid kala qaybsan oo ku tiirsan oggolaansho,
is-weydaarsi iyo hay’ado sida maxkamadaha ama cunaqabataynta.
2. Can international law be effective without a global enforcer?
English: Yes — to an extent. Effectiveness comes from states’ mutual interest, reputational costs,
reciprocity, networks of institutions, and market/legal incentives. But absence of a single enforcer
means compliance can be uneven and depends on power politics, coalitions, and normative
pressure.
Somali: Haa — xad ahaan. Waxay ku shaqaysaa danaha wadaagga ah ee dowladaha, cawaaqibka
sumcadda, is-weydaarsiga, shabakadaha hay’adaha iyo dhiirrigelinta suuqa/ sharci. Laakiin
maadaama aysan jirin kormeeraha ugu weyn, u hoggaansamidu way kala duwanaan kartaa
waxayna ku xiran tahay awood siyaasadeed, isbahaysiyo, iyo cadaadis qiyam ku dhisan.
3. Do powerful states respect international law differently than small states?
English: Often yes. Powerful states have more capacity to shape rules, interpret obligations
favorably, or bypass norms when vital interests are at stake; smaller states may rely more on rules
for protection and predictability. Yet powerful states also often comply when it serves legitimacy,
markets, or alliances.
Somali: Badanaa haa. Dawladaha awoodda leh waxay leeyihiin awood ay ku qaabeeyaan
xeerarka, u fasiraan waajibaadka si ay ugu habboonaato, ama uga fogaadaan marka danahooda
muhiimka ahi taagan yihiin; dowladaha yaryar waxay inta badan ku tiirsan yihiin xeerarka si ay u
helaan ilaalin iyo saadaalin. Si kastaba, dawladaha awoodda leh mararka qaar way u
hoggaansamaan haddii ay ka faa’iideysanayaan sharaf, suuqyo, ama iskaashiyo.
4. How has globalization, humanitarian intervention, and international law reshaped
traditional notions of sovereignty?
English: Globalization makes borders more porous economically and legally; humanitarian
intervention and human-rights norms introduce duties beyond non-interference (responsibility to
protect, prosecution for mass atrocities). Sovereignty has shifted from absolute control to

2. International Law and Diplomacy
By: Mohamed Hersi Farah
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conditional authority tied to responsibilities and international obligations.
Somali: Caalamiyeynta waxay xuduudaha ka dhigtay kuwo dhaqaale iyo sharci ahaan u furan;
faragelinta gargaarka bani’aadamnimo iyo qiyamka xuquuqda aadanaha waxay keenaan
waajibaadyo ka baxsan mabda’a aan faragelin (mas’uuliyadda ilaalinta, maxkamadaynta xasuuqa
ballaaran). Sidaas darteed, madax-bannaanidu waxay ka noqotay awood gebi ahaan aan xad
lahayn ilaa mas’uuliyad iyo waajibaadyo caalami ah ku xiran.
5. How has digital diplomacy (e.g., Twitter diplomacy, cyber negotiations) changed
international relations?
English: Digital diplomacy accelerates messaging, increases transparency and immediacy, opens
new channels for public diplomacy, and enables real-time crisis management. But it also risks
misinformation, performative diplomacy, reduced nuance, and cybersecurity threats that
complicate negotiations.
Somali: Diblomaasiyadda dijitaalka ah waxay fariimaha ka dhigtaa kuwo dhakhso badan,
kordhisa hufnaanta iyo degdegga, waxayna fureysaa kanaallo cusub oo diblomaasiyadda
dadweynaha ah iyo maareynta deg-degga ah. Laakiin waxay sidoo kale halis u tahay faafinta xog
khaldan, diblomaasiyad muuqaal ah oo fadhiid ah, kala-duwanaansho yar oo macnaha ah, iyo
hanjabaadaha ammaanka cyber-ka oo wadahadallada adkeyn kara.
6. In the 21st century, is the concept of sovereignty evolving toward interdependence rather
than isolation?
English: Yes. Interdependence (trade, climate, migration, security) has made states’ choices
mutually affecting. Sovereignty increasingly means managing external linkages and shared
responsibilities rather than isolationist self-sufficiency.
Somali: Haa. Isku xirnaanta (ganacsiga, cimilada, socdaalka, amniga) waxay ka dhigtay
doorashooyinka dowladaha kuwo is saameeya. Madax-bannaani waxay hadda u muuqataa sidii
maareynta xiriirrada dibadda iyo waajibaadka la wadaago halkii laga raadin lahaa kelinimada isku
filnaansho.
7. Why do some treaties succeed (AfCFTA, Montreal Protocol) while others fail (Kyoto
Protocol)?
English: Success depends on clear incentives, measurable rules, flexibility, enforcement or
compliance mechanisms, equitable burden-sharing, and political/economic feasibility. Montreal
had clear substitutes and social consensus; AfCFTA built on mutual economic benefit. Kyoto
suffered from weak incentives, distributional conflicts, and major emitters’ reluctance.
Somali: Guushu waxay ku xiran tahay dhiirrigelin cad, xeerar la cabbiri karo, dabacsanaan,
habab dhaqan-gelin/ u hogaansamid, qaybsiga caddaaladda ah ee culeyska, iyo suurtagalnimada

3. International Law and Diplomacy
By: Mohamed Hersi Farah
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[phone]
siyaasadeed/ dhaqaale. Montreal waxa uu lahaa beddel furan iyo isku raac bulsho, AfCFTA-na
waxa uu ku dhisan yahay faa’iido dhaqaale oo wadajir ah. Kyoto waxay dhibaato ku qabtay
dhiirrigelin la’aanta, khilaafaadka qaybsiga mas’uuliyadda, iyo diidmada qaar ka mid ah dalka
waaweyn ee qiiqa sii daaya.
8. Should stronger enforcement powers exist in international law, or would that erode
sovereignty?
English: Stronger enforcement could increase compliance and protect rights, but risks infringing
sovereignty and provoking backlash if imposed unfairly. The balance lies in designing legitimate,
transparent, and proportional enforcement tied to consent, multilateral procedures, and
safeguards.
Somali: Xoog dhaqan-gelin oo xooggan wuxuu kordhin karaa u hoggaansamida iyo ilaalinta
xuquuqda, balse wuxuu halis u yahay inuu xadgudub ku sameeyo madax-bannaanida iyo in la
abuuro iska caabin haddii si cadaalad darro ah lagu soo rogo. Xalka waa in la naqshadeeyo hab
dhaqan-gelin sharaf leh, hufan oo is le’eg, kana soo baxa oggolaansho iyo habraacyo multilateral
ah oo leh ilaalin.
9. How do African treaty experiences (AfCFTA, African Charter) show both opportunities
and challenges in balancing sovereignty and cooperation?
English: Opportunities: regional integration boosts markets, political cooperation, and normative
frameworks (human rights, trade). Challenges: varying state capacities, divergent interests,
enforcement gaps, and fears of unequal benefits that make states cautious about ceding authority.
Success depends on phased implementation, capacity-building, and fair benefit-sharing.
Somali: Fursadaha: isdhexgalka goboleed wuxuu kordhiyaa suuqyada, iskaashiga siyaasadeed,
iyo qaab-dhismeedka qiyamka (xuquuqda aadanaha, ganacsiga). Caqabadaha: awoodaha kala
duwan ee dowladaha, dano isku khilaafsan, farqiga dhaqan-gelinta, iyo walwalka ku saabsan
faa’iidooyinka aan sinnayn oo ka dhigaya dowladaha kuwo taxaddar leh inay awood dhiibaan.
Guushu waxay ku xiran tahay hirgelin tartiib tartiib ah, dhisidda awoodaha, iyo qaybsiga
faa’iidooyinka si caddaalad ah.
10. Should diplomatic immunity be absolute, or should exceptions exist for crimes like murder
and torture?
English: Immunity protects diplomatic functions and state relations, but absolute immunity for
violent crimes undermines justice and accountability. Many argue for limited exceptions or
waiver by the sending state, and for stronger mechanisms (revocation of status, prosecution if
waiver provided) to prevent impunity while preserving diplomatic channels.
Somali: Maamulka diblomaasiyadu wuxuu ilaaliyaa shaqada diblomaasiyadda iyo xiriirka

4. International Law and Diplomacy
By: Mohamed Hersi Farah
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dowladaha, laakiin xuquuq buuxda oo dembiyo rabshad leh ay ku jirto waxay duminaysaa
cadaaladda iyo mas’uuliyadda. Dad badan waxay taageeraan ka reebitaan xadidan ama
oggolaansho ka timaadda dowladdii dirtey, iyo habab adag (joojinta xaaladda, maxkamadaynta
marka la helo oggolaansho) si looga hortago aanu-dhisnaanta iyadoo la ilaalinayo xiriirka
diblomaasiyadeed.
11. Does the ICC unfairly target weaker states, or is it essential for accountability in places with
weak justice systems?
English: Criticisms of bias have some empirical basis (many cases from Africa), but many
prosecutions responded to requests from states or UN referrals. The ICC can be essential where
domestic systems fail, yet perceptions of selectivity harm legitimacy. Reforms (broader
geographic caseload, clearer criteria, cooperation incentives) can help.
Somali: Eedaymaha cunsuriyada waxay leeyihiin saldhig qaas ahaan (kiisas badan Afrikaan ah),
balse kiisaska badan waxay ka yimaadeen codsiyo dawlad ama guddiyaasha QM. ICC waxay
muhiim noqon kartaa marka nidaamyada gudaha fashilmaan, haddana muuqaalka xulashada ayaa
sumcadeeda dhaawici kara. Dib-u-habeyn (kiisas ku fidiya juqraafi ahaan, shuruudo cad,
dhiirrigelinta iskaashiga) ayaa gacan ka geysan karta hagaajinta.
12. Should international organizations like ILO and UN have stronger enforcement powers,
even if this limits state sovereignty?
English: Stronger powers could improve compliance on labor standards, human rights, and
peace, but risk political backlash and legitimacy problems if perceived as imposing external will.
Incremental strengthening—through clearer mandates, conditional incentives, and member-state
consent—often balances effectiveness with respect for sovereignty.
Somali: Awoodaha xooggan waxay hagaajin karaan u hoggaansamida heerarka shaqada,
xuquuqda aadanaha, iyo nabadda, laakiin waxay abuuri karaan iska caabin siyaasadeed iyo
dhibaato sumcad haddii loo arko inay tahay sidan la soo rogay. Xoojinta tartiib-tartiib ah — iyada
oo loo marayo hawlo cad-cad, dhiirrigelinta shuruudaysan, iyo oggolaanshaha dowladaha
xubnaha — ayaa badanaa isu dheellitirta waxtarka iyo ixtiraamka madax-bannaanida.
13. Is the ICC biased against Africa, or is Africa simply where crimes are most visible?
English: Both dynamics play a role. Africa has had many referrals and visible mass crimes,
increasing ICC activity there; but historical focus and geopolitical factors have fueled perceptions
of bias. Addressing this requires expanding investigations globally, improving cooperation with
African states, and strengthening capacity-building for domestic justice.
Somali: Labaduba waxay door ka leeyihiin. Afrika waxaa ku badan soo-jeedinno iyo dambiyo
muuqda oo ballaaran taasoo kordhisay hawlaha ICC halkaas; laakiin fiiro gaar ah oo hore iyo

5. International Law and Diplomacy
By: Mohamed Hersi Farah
[email protected]
[phone]
arrimo juqraafiyeed ayaa abuuray muuqaal eex. Xallintu waxay u baahan tahay in baaritaannada
lagu fidiya caalamka, iskaashiga lala xoojiyo dowladaha Afrika, iyo dhisidda awoodda garsoorka
gudaha.
14. Should economic and social rights (health, education) be given the same legal weight as civil
and political rights (speech, assembly)?
English: Many scholars advocate for parity because realizing economic and social rights is
essential for meaningful enjoyment of civil-political rights. Practical challenges (resource
constraints, progressive realization) mean enforcement differs, but legal recognition and
enforceable mechanisms strengthen rights overall.
Somali: Aqoonyahanno badan waxay u doodayaan sinnaanta sababtoo ah xaqiijinta xuquuqaha
dhaqaale iyo bulsho waa lagama maarmaan si loo helo xuquuqaha rayidka iyo siyaasadeed si
dhab ah. Caqabadaha waxtarka leh (kheyraad xaddidan, hirgelin tartiib tartiib ah) waxay ka
dhigan tahay in dhaqan-gelintu kala duwanaan karto, laakin aqoonsiga sharciga iyo hababka la
dhaqan gelin karo waxay xoojiyaan xuquuqda guud ahaan.
15. Why do some countries ratify treaties but fail to implement them? What role can NGOs and
social movements play?
English: Reasons: lack of capacity, conflicting domestic laws, political resistance, cost, weak
institutions, or mere symbolic ratification. NGOs and social movements can monitor compliance,
pressure governments, provide expertise, assist implementation, litigate domestically, and
mobilize public opinion to turn commitments into action.
Somali: Sababaha: awood la’aan, isku dhac sharci gudaha ah, iska caabin siyaasadeed, kharash,
hay’ado daciif ah, ama saxiixyo astaan ah oo kaliya. NGO-yada iyo dhaqdhaqaaqyada bulshada
waxay kormeeri karaan u hoggaansamida, cadaadis saarayaan dowladaha, bixin karaan khibrad,
ka caawin karaan fulinta, dacwo gelin karaan gudaha, iyo wacyigelin iskaashi si ballanqaadyada
loo rogo ficil.
16. What are the limitations of UN peacekeeping in conflict zones with ongoing insurgency?
English: Limits include restrictive mandates, insufficient troops/equipment, unclear rules of
engagement, lack of intelligence, political constraints from member states, and difficulty
protecting civilians against non-state insurgents who blend with populations. Peacekeeping is
better at stabilization than counterinsurgency.
Somali: Xaddidaadaha waxaa ka mid ah xeerar xaddidan oo hawleed, ciidan/qalab ku filan
la’aan, qawaaniin hawlgal oo aan caddayn, xog-ururin la’aan, xayiraadaha siyaasadeed ee ka
yimaada dowladaha xubnaha, iyo dhibaatada ah ilaalinta rayidka marka dagaalyahanada aan

6. International Law and Diplomacy
By: Mohamed Hersi Farah
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[phone]
dawliga ahayn ay dhex milmaan bulshada. Howlgalka nabad ilaalintu wuxuu ka fiican yahay
xasilinta marka la barbardhigo ka-hortagga xag-jirnimada.
17. How can regional organizations complement UN peace operations?
English: Regional bodies (AU, EU, ECOWAS) can provide troops, local legitimacy, political
leverage, knowledge of context, and logistics. They can act faster, negotiate regional solutions,
and build post-conflict institutions — partnering with UN for resources, mandates, and legal
backing.
Somali: Hay’adaha gobolka (AU, EU, ECOWAS) waxay keeni karaan ciidan, sharaf maxalli ah,
miisaan siyaasadeed, aqoon deegaanka, iyo taageero farsamo. Waxay dhaqso uga jawaabi karaan,
xalal goboleed wada xaajoon karaan, iyo dhisidda hay’adaha kadib colaadda — iyadoo lala
kaashanayo QM si loo helo kheyraad, mandaat, iyo taageero sharci.
18. What factors make mediation more successful than arbitration in civil wars?
English: Mediation allows flexible, interest-based solutions, local ownership, secrecy, and
incremental confidence-building. Mediators can adapt to political dynamics and craft
compromises; arbitration’s rigid, binding decision may be unrealistic when spoilers and
asymmetric power exist.
Somali: Dhibcaha guusha mediation-ka waxaa ka mid ah dabacsanaan, xalal ku saleysan dano,
lahaansho maxalli ah, qarsoodi, iyo dhisidda kalsoonida si tartiib-tartiib ah. Diblomaasiyiintu
waxay la qabsan karaan isbeddelada siyaasadeed oo ay abuuri karaan is-afgaradyo; go’aan
qaadashada (arbitration) oo go’an mararka qaar waa mid aan macquul ahayn marka ay jiraan
kuwa wax carqaladeeya iyo awood kala duwan.
19. How effective are international courts in enforcing rulings when powerful states are
involved?
English: Limited. Courts can issue legal rulings and shape norms, but enforcement against
powerful states depends on political will, sanctions, reciprocity, and other states’ cooperation.
International courts influence behavior through reputational costs and legal argumentation more
than direct coercion over great powers.
Somali: Xadidan. Maxkamaduhu waxay soo saari karaan xukunno sharci iyo ku dhisidda
qiyamka, balse dhaqan-gelinta ka dhan ah dawladaha awoodda leh waxay ku xiran tahay
rabitaanka siyaasadeed, cunaqabatayn, is-weydaarsiga, iyo iskaashiga dowladaha kale.
Maxkamadaha caalamiga ah waxay saameyn ku yeeshaan dhaqanka iyagoo adeegsanaya
cawaaqibta sumcadda iyo doodaha sharciga halkii ay si toos ah uga isticmaali lahaayeen xoog.
20. What are the limits of universal jurisdiction?
English: Limits include political pushback, immunities (for some officials), evidentiary and

7. International Law and Diplomacy
By: Mohamed Hersi Farah
[email protected]
[phone]
jurisdictional hurdles, resource constraints, and potential conflict with state sovereignty.
Universal jurisdiction works best for the gravest crimes but requires careful procedural safeguards
to avoid politicization.
Somali: Xaddidaadaha waxaa ka mid ah iska-caabinta siyaasadeed, xuquuqaha qaar ee madaxda,
caqabadaha caddeynta iyo awoodda maxkamadeed, kheyraad yari, iyo khilaaf la xiriira madax-
bannaanida dowladaha. Xeerka guud wuxuu ku habboon yahay dambiyada ugu waaweeyn laakiin
wuxuu u baahan yahay ilaalinno habraac oo taxadar leh si looga fogaado siyaaseyn.
21. How does jurisprudence influence the behaviour of states and international organizations?
English: Judicial decisions clarify legal obligations, set precedent, and shape interpretations used
by states and IOs. Jurisprudence can change expectations, influence policy, and legitimize actions
— even when direct enforcement is weak — by creating legal standards and persuasive authority.
Somali: Xukunada maxkamaduhu waxay caddeeyaan waajibaadyada sharciga, dejinayaan
tusaale, iyo qaab-dhismeedka fasiraadda oo ay dowladaha iyo hay’aduhu adeegsadaan.
Falsafadda sharciga (jurisprudence) waxay bedeshaa filashooyinka, saameyn ku leedahay
siyaasadda, iyo sharaf-bixinta ficillada — xitaa marka dhaqan-gelintu daciif tahay — iyada oo
abuuraysa heerar sharci iyo awood qancin ah.
22. What are ethics and accountability — and why are they fundamental to legitimate
diplomacy?
English: Ethics are principles guiding right conduct (honesty, fairness, respect); accountability
ensures actors answer for actions. In diplomacy, they build trust, legitimacy, and predictability;
without them, agreements are fragile and cooperation breaks down.
Somali: Akhlaaqda (ethics) waa mabaadii’da hagta dabeecadda saxda ah (daacadnimo,
caddaalad, ixtiraam); isla xisaabtanku (accountability) wuxuu hubiyaa in dadka iyo hay’aduhu
laga jawaabo ficilladooda. Diblomaasiyadda, waxay dhisaan kalsooni, sharaf, iyo saadaalin;
iyadoon la haynin, heshiisyadu waa daciif oo iskaashigu wuu burburaa.
23. How do cyber law and environmental treaties expand the scope of international law?
English: Cyber law governs state and private behavior in cyberspace (attacks, data, jurisdiction),
bringing tech-specific norms into international obligations. Environmental treaties tackle
transboundary harms (pollution, climate change, biodiversity), making states legally responsible
for global commons and shared risks — both broaden topics international law covers beyond
classic territorial/state concerns.
Somali: Sharciga cyber-ka wuxuu maamulaa dhaqanka dawladaha iyo kuwa gaarka ah ee
cyberspace (weerarada, xogta, awoodda maxkamadeed), isagoo keenaya qawaaniin
tiknoolajiyadeed oo ku jira waajibaadka caalamiga. Heshiisyada deegaanka waxay wax ka

8. International Law and Diplomacy
By: Mohamed Hersi Farah
[email protected]
[phone]
qabtaan waxyeellada is-daba-joogga ah (wasakheynta, isbeddelka cimilada, noocyada noolaha),
taasoo dowladaha ka dhigaysa kuwo mas’uul ka ah khayraadka guud ee caalamiga ah iyo
khataraha wadaagga ah — labaduba waxay ballaariyaan mawduucyada ay sharcigu daboolo.
24. What global governance reforms are essential for inclusive, equitable international
relations?
English: Reforms: democratizing decision-making (UN Security Council reform), improving
representation for Global South, stronger mechanisms for finance and technology transfer,
transparent accountability, inclusive rule-setting processes, and capacity building. Equity requires
both institutional change and practical redistribution of resources and voice.
Somali: Dib-u-habeynaha muhiimka ah: dimoqraadiyeynta go’aan qaadashada (dib-u-habeynta
Golaha Ammaanka ee QM), hagaajinta metelaadda Koonfurta Adduunka, habab xooggan oo
maaliyadeed iyo wareejinta tiknoolajiyadda, isla xisaabtan hufan, geeddi-socodyo dejin xeerar oo
isdhexgal leh, iyo dhisidda awoodaha. Sinaantu waxay u baahan tahay isbeddel hay’adeed iyo
dib-u-qaybin dhab ah oo kheyraad iyo cod ah.
25. Is diplomacy today interdisciplinary, transparent, and technologically driven?
English: Yes — modern diplomacy draws on economics, law, media, data science,
environmental studies, and cybersecurity. Technology has increased transparency and new tools,
but also creates challenges (misinformation, privacy, speed). Effective diplomacy now requires
multidisciplinary skills and ethical use of tech.
Somali: Haa — diblomaasiyadda casriga ah waxay ka faa’iidaysataa culuumta dhaqaalaha,
sharciga, warbaahinta, sayniska xogta, daraasaadka deegaanka, iyo amniga cyber-ka.
Teknolojiyadu waxay kordhisay hufnaanta iyo qalab cusub, laakiin sidoo kale waxay keentaa
caqabado (warar been abuur ah, asturnaan, xawaaraha). Diblomaasiyad wax ku ool ah hadda
waxay u baahan tahay xirfado kala duwan iyo isticmaal anshaxeed oo tiknoolaji ah.