Treaties take a long time to renegotiate or cancel. How does this work in cases of conflict between countries and in cases of sanctions being imposed?

FULL QUESTION

Treaties take a long time to renegotiate or cancel. How does this work in cases of conflict between countries and in cases of sanctions being imposed?

ADDITIONAL WRITTEN ANSWER

Treaty renegotiation, termination, or suspension in cases of conflict between countries or the imposition of sanctions is a complex process governed by international law, particularly the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (VCLT) 1969. The approach varies depending on whether the treaty is a bilateral or multilateral agreement and the specific circumstances that lead to its potential suspension or termination.

1. Conflict Between Countries and Treaty Obligations

When two countries enter into a dispute, they have several options regarding their treaties:

(a) Treaty Interpretation & Dispute Resolution Mechanisms

  • Most modern treaties include dispute resolution clauses, allowing the parties to seek arbitration or resolution through international bodies (e.g., International Court of Justice (ICJ), WTO dispute panels, or UNCITRAL arbitration).
  • Countries may attempt to resolve the dispute within the framework of the treaty, using mutual agreement procedures (MAPs), or diplomatic negotiations.

(b) Suspension or Termination Due to Material Breach (Article 60, VCLT)

  • A country can suspend or terminate a treaty if the other party materially breaches its obligations under the treaty.
  • A material breach occurs when a country violates an essential provision that is fundamental to the treaty’s purpose.
  • The affected party can invoke Article 60 of the VCLT, notifying the other party and potentially suspending or withdrawing from the treaty.

(c) Fundamental Change of Circumstances (Rebus Sic Stantibus – Article 62, VCLT)

  • If there is a fundamental, unforeseen change in circumstances that was essential to the treaty at the time of signing, a party may invoke Article 62 of the VCLT to justify termination.
  • However, this principle is rarely accepted as a valid reason unless the change is dramatic and directly impacts the treaty’s execution.

(d) War or Armed Conflict

  • If two countries engage in war or armed conflict, treaties are generally suspended, particularly if they involve trade, defense, or diplomatic relations.
  • Some treaties (e.g., human rights treaties, Geneva Conventions) continue to apply even during conflicts, as they are meant to regulate wartime conduct.

 

2. Imposition of Sanctions and Treaty Implications

Sanctions imposed by a country or an international organization (e.g., UN, EU, US) can impact treaties in several ways:

(a) Unilateral Sanctions and Treaties

  • A country imposing unilateral sanctions (e.g., US sanctions on Iran, Russia) may suspend or restrict treaty benefits for the sanctioned country.
  • The sanctioned country may invoke countermeasures, including suspending or withdrawing from treaties.

(b) UN or Multilateral Sanctions

  • When the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) imposes sanctions under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, member states must comply.
  • This may lead to the suspension of treaties that conflict with UNSC resolutions.
  • Examples include restrictions on trade agreements, investment treaties, or tax treaties with sanctioned states.

(c) EU Sanctions and Treaty Overrides

  • The European Union often imposes sanctions that affect trade, finance, and investment treaties with non-EU states.
  • For example, when the EU sanctioned Russia in 2014, several bilateral investment treaties (BITs) between EU states and Russia were effectively suspended.
  • Countries must assess whether treaty obligations can be maintained without violating sanctions.

(d) Tax Treaties and Sanctions

  • Some countries suspend tax treaties with sanctioned states to prevent tax avoidance or the use of tax benefits by individuals/entities under sanctions.
  • For example, the Netherlands and Switzerland suspended tax treaties with Russia following EU sanctions.

 

3. Treaty Suspension vs. Termination: Key Differences

Aspect Suspension Termination
Effect Temporarily stops treaty obligations Permanently ends the treaty
Legal Basis Material breach, sanctions, armed conflict Fundamental change, breach, or explicit termination clause
Process Can be reversed if conditions change Requires renegotiation for future re-establishment
Example EU-Russia treaties suspended due to sanctions US-Iran nuclear deal withdrawal (2018)

4. How Long Does It Take to Renegotiate or Terminate a Treaty?

  • Renegotiation: Can take years (e.g., the renegotiation of NAFTA into the USMCA took over two years).
  • Termination: Some treaties allow unilateral withdrawal with notice (e.g., 6 months to 1 year notice period is common).
  • Suspension: Can happen immediately if sanctions or material breaches occur.

Final Thoughts

  • Treaties are not easily terminated, as they are meant to provide long-term stability.
  • In cases of conflict, treaties may be suspended but can also serve as tools for negotiation.
  • Sanctions can override treaties, particularly in trade and tax agreements.
  • The VCLT provides a legal framework for treaty disputes, but political considerations often play a dominant role.