International Law and the Nicaragua Case

Jun 23, 2024

International Law and the Nicaragua Case

Introduction

  • Nicaragua: a small country in Central America
  • Borders: Pacific Ocean & Caribbean Sea
  • Historical Context: Family dictatorship from 1937-1979
  • Key Event: 1972 earthquake (
    • 10,000 deaths, hundreds of thousands homeless
    • Foreign aid stolen by dictatorship

The Rise of the Sandinistas

  • Socialist group opposing the dictatorship
  • Aided earthquake victims -> gained popularity
  • Overthrew the dictatorship in 1979
  • Context: Cold War; fears of socialist expansion by the U.S.

U.S. Involvement & the Contras

  • U.S. Policy: Prevent socialist stronghold
  • Supported contras (anti-Sandinista groups)
  • Congress initially approved funding
  • Continued support via Lt. Col. Oliver North (Reagan administration)

Legal Battle: Nicaragua vs. United States

  • 1984: Nicaragua took the case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ)
  • Allegations: U.S. violated international law via:
    • Supporting/arming Contras
    • Direct military action (overflights, sea mines)

U.S. Defense

  • Denied ICJ jurisdiction
  • Argument: Obligations arise from UN Charter & multilateral treaties (OAS Charter, Convention on Rights and Duties of States)
  • Claimed involvement of El Salvador (a non-participating state) nullified jurisdiction

Customary International Law vs. Treaty Law

  • Key Question: Does a treaty extinguish any customary law in the same area?
  • Debate:
    • Treaty supersedes customary law vs. modifies it
  • Court's Decision: Customary law is not extinguished by treaty
    • Treated separately unless explicitly superseded
    • Customary law often remains even if a treaty exists

Implications for the Case

  • Treaties did not cover all claims; customary law still applicable
  • Court found: U.S. breached customary international law
    • Arms supply to Contras
    • Armed attacks on Nicaragua
    • Laying sea mines without notice
  • Court ordered reparations by U.S. (never paid)

Aftermath & Broader Lessons

  • Sandinistas' Rule:
    • Ruled 1979-1990, Opposed 1990-2006, Ruled again post-2006
    • Criticized for allegedly abandoning socialist ideals
  • Key Takeaways:
    • Customary international law persists alongside treaties
    • Power dynamics influence the enforcement of international law
    • Larger nations can evade international legal obligations without consequence