Why do states comply? - A game theoretic approach to international law

Sammanfattning: The absence of a central enforcement mechanism in international law has often raised the question of why international law is complied with. Several possible motives and whole theories have been put forth to explain it. This thesis is an attempt at demonstrating how international law can be upheld even if the actors within the legal system are self-interested rational actors. The model is constructed within a rational choice framework. Finally it is shown how under certain conditions, mutual compliance can be achieved.