The ICJ contributes to international peace primarily by

• A. Settling legal disputes between states
• B. Imposing sanctions on non-compliant states
• C. Conducting humanitarian interventions without authorization
• D. Negotiating bilateral trade deals

Answer: (A)

The ICJ helps maintain peace by providing a lawful, peaceful way for states to resolve disputes. When states bring cases or seek advisory opinions, the court interprets treaties and customary international law, clarifying obligations and issuing binding judgments on the parties involved. This creates a recognized, nonviolent route to settle conflicts and reduces the lure of force or coercion, which is essential for lasting peace.

Its authority is limited to disputes between states that recognize its jurisdiction, and enforcement relies on states’ willingness to comply and, if needed, actions by other UN bodies. That’s why the primary contribution is settling legal disputes between states. Sanctions, humanitarian interventions without authorization, and negotiating trade deals are handled by other parts of the international system or by other actors, not the ICJ.