Get the app →
BriefTea logoBriefTea

Every story in sixty words

Explained in plain English

Who decides international law?

International law is shaped by agreements between countries, like treaties, and by widely accepted customs. Organisations like the UN help create and enforce these rules, but ultimately, nations choose to follow them. In our story, FIFA's rules about lightning delays are an example of an international sporting law that all participating countries agree to abide by.

Stories that explain this

England v Mexico delayed by storms in Mexico City

Questions this opens up

What is a treaty? Who is the UN? Do countries always agree?

Related explainers

Who decides time zones? Why do countries change time zones? What are FIFA's safety rules? Why are games delayed? Why are kick-off times important? What are last-16 ties? How does lightning affect stadiums? How does lightning form?

The full catalogue

Browse every card filed under D →