# Law, Trade & Global Organizations Part of the Citizenship in the World Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/citizenship-in-the-world/guide/index.md) *4. International Connections* > **4.** Do TWO of the following: **You choose TWO of the three options below.** Read through all three to decide which ones interest you the most, then focus your preparation on those two. --- ## Option A: International Law > **4a.** Explain international law and how it differs from national law. Explain the role of international law and how international law can be used as a tool for conflict resolution. ### What Is International Law? International law is the set of rules and agreements that govern how countries interact with each other. Unlike national law — which is created and enforced by a single government within its borders — international law is created through treaties, conventions, and customs agreed upon by multiple nations. Here is the key difference: | | National Law | International Law | |---|---|---| | **Who makes it?** | A country's legislature (like Congress) | Negotiations between countries, international organizations | | **Who enforces it?** | Police, courts, government agencies | International courts, treaties, diplomacy, sometimes sanctions | | **Who must follow it?** | Everyone within the country | Countries that agree to follow it (signatories) | | **What if you break it?** | Arrest, fines, prison | Diplomatic pressure, economic sanctions, international courts | ### Sources of International Law International law comes from several sources: - **Treaties** — Written agreements between countries. Examples include the Geneva Conventions (rules of war) and the Paris Climate Agreement. - **Customary international law** — Practices that countries have followed for so long that they are considered legally binding, even without a formal treaty. For example, the principle that diplomats cannot be arrested in the country where they serve. - **International organizations** — Bodies like the United Nations create resolutions and frameworks that guide international behavior. ### International Law and Conflict Resolution International law provides tools for resolving disputes without war: - **Negotiation** — Countries talk directly to work out a solution. - **Mediation** — A neutral third party helps the countries reach an agreement. - **Arbitration** — Both sides agree to let an independent panel decide the outcome, and they agree to follow the decision. - **Adjudication** — A case is brought before an international court, like the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which issues a ruling. > **Did You Know?** > > The International Court of Justice, located in The Hague, Netherlands, has settled disputes between countries on topics ranging from border disagreements to fishing rights. Only countries (not individuals) can bring cases to the ICJ. [International Court of Justice](https://www.icj-cij.org/): The official website of the ICJ — explore current cases and learn how international disputes are resolved. --- ## Option B: International Trade > **4b.** Using resources such as major daily newspapers, the internet (with your parent or guardian's permission), and news magazines, observe a current issue that involves international trade, foreign exchange, balance of payments, tariffs, and free trade. Explain what you have learned. Include in your discussion an explanation of why countries must cooperate in order for world trade and global competition to thrive. ### Key Trade Concepts Before you dive into the news, make sure you understand these terms: **International trade** is the exchange of goods and services between countries. The United States exports things like aircraft, machinery, and agricultural products, and imports things like electronics, oil, and clothing. **Foreign exchange** is the system for converting one country's currency into another's. When you buy something made in Japan, someone has to convert U.S. dollars into Japanese yen to pay the manufacturer. Exchange rates change constantly and affect prices worldwide. **Balance of payments** tracks all the money flowing into and out of a country. If a country imports more than it exports, it has a trade deficit. If it exports more, it has a trade surplus. **Tariffs** are taxes placed on imported goods. A country might charge a tariff on imported steel to make domestic steel more competitive. Tariffs can protect local jobs, but they also raise prices for consumers. **Free trade** is the idea that countries should be able to trade with minimal tariffs or restrictions. Free trade agreements — like the USMCA between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada — reduce barriers and encourage commerce between partner nations. ### Why Countries Must Cooperate No country produces everything its people need. The United States does not grow enough bananas, coffee, or cocoa. Japan does not have enough oil. Saudi Arabia does not have enough farmland. Trade allows countries to specialize in what they do best and buy the rest from others. When countries cooperate on trade: - Prices drop because goods come from the most efficient producers - Consumers get more choices - Economies grow faster - Countries become more interdependent, which can reduce conflict When countries stop cooperating — through trade wars, sanctions, or isolation — prices rise, shortages occur, and tensions increase. > **Tip** > > Search for news stories about trade disputes, tariff changes, or new trade agreements. Good sources include the Associated Press, Reuters, BBC Business, and the Wall Street Journal. Pick one story and use the trade concepts above to analyze what is happening and why. [World Trade Organization — What Is the WTO?](https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/whatis_e/whatis_e.htm): Learn how the WTO helps countries negotiate trade rules and settle trade disputes. --- ## Option C: Global Organizations > **4c.** Select TWO of the following organizations and describe their role in the world. **Choose TWO of the nine organizations below.** For each one you select, be ready to explain what it does, why it exists, and how it affects people around the world. ### 1. United Nations and UNICEF The **United Nations (UN)** was founded in 1945 after World War II to prevent future wars and promote international cooperation. Today, 193 countries are members. The UN works on peace and security, human rights, humanitarian aid, and sustainable development. Its main bodies include the General Assembly, Security Council, and International Court of Justice. **UNICEF** (United Nations Children's Fund) is a UN agency focused on children. It provides vaccines, nutrition, education, and emergency relief to children in more than 190 countries. UNICEF is funded entirely by voluntary contributions. ### 2. International Court of Justice (The World Court) The **ICJ** is the principal judicial body of the United Nations, located in The Hague, Netherlands. It settles legal disputes between countries and gives advisory opinions on international legal questions. Only nations (not individuals or companies) can be parties to cases before the ICJ. ### 3. International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) **Interpol** helps police forces in 196 member countries work together to fight international crime. It does not send agents to arrest people — instead, it shares information, coordinates investigations, and issues "Red Notices" to help locate wanted criminals. Interpol deals with crimes like human trafficking, cybercrime, terrorism, and drug smuggling. ### 4. World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) **WOSM** is the international body that coordinates Scouting around the world. It supports over 57 million Scouts in more than 170 countries. WOSM organizes events like the World Scout Jamboree and promotes peace, community service, and youth development globally. As a Scout, you are already part of this worldwide movement. ### 5. World Health Organization (WHO) The **WHO** is a UN agency that works to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable. It coordinates international responses to disease outbreaks (like COVID-19 and Ebola), sets health guidelines, and supports vaccination campaigns. WHO's goal is the highest possible level of health for all people. ### 6. Amnesty International **Amnesty International** is a non-governmental organization (NGO) that campaigns for human rights worldwide. It investigates abuses, publishes reports, and pressures governments to free political prisoners, stop torture, and protect freedom of expression. Amnesty has more than 10 million supporters in over 150 countries. ### 7. International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) The **IFRC** coordinates the work of 191 national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies around the world. It responds to natural disasters, armed conflicts, and health emergencies. The Red Cross movement is guided by principles of humanity, impartiality, and neutrality — it helps anyone in need, regardless of nationality, race, or politics. ### 8. Cooperative for American Relief Everywhere (CARE) **CARE** is an international humanitarian organization that fights global poverty. It works in nearly 100 countries, focusing on emergency relief, food security, education, and women's empowerment. CARE is known for its "CARE Packages," which were originally sent to survivors of World War II in Europe. ### 9. European Union (EU) The **European Union** is a political and economic union of 27 European countries. Members share a common market, and most use a common currency (the euro). The EU promotes free trade, freedom of movement, and cooperation on issues like security, the environment, and human rights among its member nations. > **Be Prepared! Preparing Your Organization Descriptions** > > For each of your two chosen organizations: > - **Step one**: Research the organization's history — when and why was it founded? > - **Step two**: Summarize its main mission in 1–2 sentences. > - **Step three**: Find a recent example of the organization in action (a news story, a project, a campaign). > - **Step four**: Explain why this organization matters to the world — what would be different without it? ![An illustrated collage showing symbols of international organizations arranged around a world map](https://ik.imagekit.io/doulacoop/tr:w-800/mbu-assets/merit-badges/citizenship-in-the-world/guide/global-organizations?v=6266fa6d) ![An illustrated cargo ship on the ocean with containers labeled with different country flags, showing global trade in action](https://ik.imagekit.io/doulacoop/tr:w-800/mbu-assets/merit-badges/citizenship-in-the-world/guide/trade-routes-illustration?v=8246f31e) --- You have explored international law, global trade, and the organizations that connect countries. Next, let's look at the different ways countries govern themselves. --- - Previous: [A Country](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/citizenship-in-the-world/guide/req3b/index.md) - Next: [Types of Government](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/citizenship-in-the-world/guide/req5/index.md)