Why durable treaties must let signatories be honest

If realistic ships cannot meet nominal limits, governments begin by lying about small details and become more willing to evade larger obligations. That routine dishonesty corrodes verification and confidence before a major breach occurs. International law ultimately depends on sovereign states choosing to comply and on other states imposing diplomatic, economic, or military consequences. A treaty lasts when adherence serves each signatory's security interests better than violation, making consent more reliable than paper restrictions alone.