International agreements are formal understandings between sovereign states or international bodies, creating binding rules on issues like trade, human rights, and security, and taking forms such as treaties, conventions, protocols, or MOUs, governed by international law to foster cooperation and resolve disputes

. They range from bilateral pacts (two nations) to multilateral ones (many nations) and can be legally binding (treaties) or politically non-binding (declarations), but all establish international relations and obligations. 

Key Characteristics

• Parties Involved: Sovereign states, international organizations, or both.
• Form & Style: Written documents, but can vary greatly (e.g., treaty, convention, pact, MOU).
• Governed By: International law, specifically the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties.
• Purpose: Regulate shared concerns, settle disputes, establish standards, and promote cooperation. 

Types of Agreements

• Bilateral: Between two countries (e.g., tax treaties).
• Plurilateral: Between a few states (e.g., trade agreements).
• Multilateral: Between many states (e.g., UN Conventions). 

Examples of Binding Agreements

• Treaties/Conventions: Legally binding, requiring ratification (e.g., Geneva Conventions, Paris Agreement).
• Protocols/Covenants: Often amendments or additions to broader treaties (e.g., Kyoto Protocol).
• Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs): Often less formal but still significant commitments. 

How They Work (Binding Agreements)

1. Negotiation & Signing: States agree on terms and sign.
2. Ratification: Internal approval (e.g., Senate vote in the U.S.).
3. Entry into Force: Becomes legally effective when conditions are met.
4. Obligation: Binds parties to fulfill commitments under international law. 

Examples of Non-Binding Instruments

• Declarations/Frameworks: Political commitments without immediate legal penalty for non-compliance, but set future goals (e.g., Universal Declaration of Human Rights).

International Treaties & Agreements – Travel.gov

Private international law is the body of conventions, model laws, national laws, legal guides, and other documents and instruments that regulate private relatio…

U.S. Department of State (.gov)