International agreements refer to official agreements or treaties that two or more countries sign to formalize their relationship. These agreements can take many forms, with each type serving a different purpose. In this article, we will explore the three main types of international agreements and their defining characteristics.
1. Bilateral Agreements
Bilateral agreements, also called a “bilateral treaty,” are signed between two countries. This type of agreement aims to establish a mutual understanding and cooperation between two countries. Bilateral agreements can cover a wide range of issues, such as trade, defense, science and technology, education, and tourism.
Examples of bilateral agreements include the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) signed in 2018, which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and the United Kingdom – European Union Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) signed in 2020, which outlines the new trading relationship between the UK and EU after Brexit.
2. Multilateral Agreements
Multilateral agreements are signed by multiple countries, usually for a common goal or objective. These agreements involve negotiations between multiple parties and have a broader reach than bilateral agreements. The United Nations (UN) is a primary example of multilateral cooperation, with countries coming together to address global issues such as climate change, international security, and human rights.
One of the most significant multilateral agreements is the Paris Agreement, which was signed by almost 200 countries in 2016. The agreement aims to address climate change by keeping global temperature rise this century to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
3. Unilateral Agreements
Unilateral agreements, or “unilateralism,” are agreements made by one country without the involvement or cooperation of another country. This type of agreement is rare and often used in cases where a country has a clear advantage or needs no cooperation from other countries.
Examples of unilateral agreements include the United States’ decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement in 2017 and the U.S. decision to impose tariffs on aluminum and steel imports from other countries in 2018.
Conclusion
In summary, international agreements come in different forms, each serving a specific purpose. Bilateral agreements are signed between two countries for mutual cooperation, multilateral agreements involve multiple countries aiming to address broader issues, and unilateral agreements are made by one country without the involvement of another. By understanding the different types of international agreements, we can better comprehend the complexities of international relations and how countries work together to achieve common goals.