Diplomacy and foreign policy
Diplomacy is how states manage relationships with each other -- negotiation, communication, and representation -- as an alternative to conflict. A country's foreign policy sets out its goals and strategies for these relationships, shaped by its national interests: security, economic gain, and international influence or standing.
International organizations
The United Nations (UN) is the main global organization for cooperation on peace, security, and development among its member states. The African Union (AU) promotes political and economic cooperation and integration among African states. ECOWAS focuses specifically on economic integration and cooperation among West African states, including free movement across member states' borders.
Example 1: Explain one key function of the United Nations.
One key function is maintaining international peace and security -- for example, through peacekeeping missions, mediating disputes between member states, and providing a forum where countries can raise and discuss conflicts before they escalate into wider wars.
Treaties
A treaty is a formal, legally binding agreement between states, covering areas like trade, defence, borders, or environmental cooperation. Once ratified according to each country's own constitutional process, a treaty creates binding obligations under international law, though enforcement ultimately depends on states' willingness to comply, since there's no single global authority that can force compliance the way a national government can enforce domestic law.