How is 'international law' best defined?

The definition of 'international law' as a collection of rules governing state relations is accurate because it encompasses the legal principles and norms that regulate the interactions between sovereign states and other international actors. These rules are essential for maintaining order and resolving disputes on a global scale, addressing various issues such as treaties, trade, human rights, and the use of force.

International law can manifest in various forms, including customary international law, treaties, and conventions, which establish the legal obligations that states must adhere to in their dealings with each other. For example, the United Nations Charter is a vital document that embodies international law, setting out the principles of state sovereignty and the prohibition of the use of force except in self-defense or with UN approval.

In contrast, the other options pertain to different aspects of law that do not align with the broader scope of international law. National laws focus on internal matters of a single nation, while the internal regulations of organizations are specific to those entities and do not govern the relationships between states. A policy framework for economic cooperation may involve international agreements but is not as comprehensive in defining the legal principles that govern state relations at large.