What are conventions in the context of international agreements?

In the context of international agreements, conventions refer to general guidelines and principles for governance rather than legally-binding instruments. They serve as frameworks or standards that countries can adopt to guide their behavior and policies on specific issues. For example, environmental conventions provide guidelines for sustainable practices that nations should aim to follow.

This option accurately reflects the nature of conventions, which often facilitate cooperation and coordination among countries while allowing them to pursue their own legal, social, and political contexts. They are typically not enforced in the same manner as treaties, making them more about establishing a common understanding rather than creating binding obligations.

While legally-binding treaties are more formal agreements that require adherence, conventions often allow for flexibility in implementation and can influence legal norms and standards without enforcing strict compliance. Additionally, authoritative positions by NGOs and direct agreements between countries do not align with the definition of conventions, which focus more on overarching guidelines rather than specific treaties or organizational stances.