Second Thoughts

Abstract

It is one thing for a government, with the approval of even a small parliamentary majority, to sign a treaty. But it can be quite a different matter for a government to obtain parliamentary approval for ratification. The former involves only an agreement to the principles and key effects as presented. The latter, on the other hand, involves making the actual signed texts available to all and, as a consequence, the small print can be read. Attention can be paid to the interpretations and reactions noted in the governments and parliaments of co-signatories and others; and the likely domestic or international repercussions can be assessed, particularly where these might impinge on one’s own country. There is time for the outvoted minority to lobby hard, elicit public support for their view and invoke fresh arguments to aid their cause. Similarly, the parliament that previously provided the majority may itself have second thoughts.