How must military authority relate to international treaties?

Military authority must comply with international treaties because treaties are legally binding agreements between states and are recognized under both domestic and international law as obligations that must be honored. This compliance is essential to maintain international order and uphold commitments made to other nations.

In the context of military operations, adhering to these treaties ensures that the actions of military personnel align with established norms and rules of conduct, such as those related to the treatment of prisoners of war, conduct during armed conflict, and arms control. By following international treaties, military authority demonstrates a commitment to the rule of law and fosters trust and cooperation among nations, which is vital for global security and diplomatic relations.

This requirement does not diminish the ability of military authorities to assess and act upon current military needs; however, any actions taken must still fall within the framework of existing international treaties and obligations.