International laws and norms are said to shape states behavi

International laws and norms are said to shape states\' behavior. To what degree, and in what ways, do international laws and norms affect what leaders do or how they decide? Be specific. In your answer, consider not only the interest of leaders, states and groups within societies but also the possible dimensions of variation in international laws

Solution

International laws and norms become binding to the member states. It makes the leaders of the states to form policies and take initiatives that are in accordance with the international laws and norms. So, the leaders create their economic policies, regulatory framework and other laws that facilitate the economic development. Here, the leaders act in a way that the objectives and goals of their initiatives, don’t contradict with the international conventions. So, it is said that these international laws are shaping the behavior of the leaders In terms of policy planning, liberalization, opening up of the economy for international trade and ready the infrastructure for growth.
Though, there is limited extent that makes the leaders in a particular way. If a state takes, financial assistance from the organizations like IMF and World Bank, then there is a higher propensity to work as per the structured guidelines prescribed by IMF and World Bank. If not, and states are only the member of UNO and WTO, then leaders of the organization can oppose the international convention and work for the benefits of their own economy. It has been seen when there is a case of subsidies to the farmers, or fixation of responsibilities towards the environmental care. Developing nations have strongly opposed the proposals made by the developed nations.
Further, there are exceptions also as bigger and economically sound nations try to impose laws through the mechanism or international organizations with their own financial clout. In this case, rather obeying consensus based international laws, these nations try to put their own laws, get it approved and make it applicable for the other nations. So, the degree to which, the behavior is shaped, depends upon the aid taken up by the nations, financial support by the developed countries and type of economic crisis faced by the countries. These issues drive the behavior of the leaders of these states.