Consent is a crucial part of making treaties, according to the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (1969). However, getting consent can be tricky and lead to problems in international law. Here are some of those challenges:

1. Confusion About Consent:

   • Countries can show they agree to a treaty in different ways, like signing it or formally accepting it. This can lead to misunderstandings about what a country really meant.
   • Different ideas about what valid consent looks like can cause arguments over the rules of the treaty. Countries might say they didn’t really mean to be bound by it.

2. Differences in Power:

   • The international legal system often helps stronger countries, which can pressure weaker ones into agreements that don't feel truly voluntary. This raises questions about the fairness of treaties and what real consent looks like.
   • Smaller countries might not have enough power to get fair terms. This can lead to agreements that don’t show true consent.

3. Backing Out or Pausing:

   • Sometimes, countries want to back out of a treaty or pause it, which makes us wonder how stable these agreements really are.
   • When there are no clear rules on how to withdraw consent, it can lead to arguments and uncertainty in international relations.

Even with these challenges, there are ways to improve how consent works in making treaties:

• Clear Guidelines:

  • Making clearer rules for showing consent and for the process of accepting treaties can help clear up confusion. Using standard terms and procedures can help everyone understand better.

• Stronger International Organizations:

  • Giving more power to international groups, like the United Nations, to supervise treaty talks can help ensure that everyone is fairly represented. This can create a fairer atmosphere for agreeing to treaties.

• Clear Rules for Backing Out:

  • Setting strong legal rules about how a country can back out of a treaty can make things more predictable. Treaties should clearly explain how and when a country can withdraw its consent to avoid confusion and disagreements.

In summary, consent is essential for making treaties according to the Vienna Convention. However, the challenges in how consent is applied show we need a better approach. By addressing these issues through clarity, fairness, and strong processes, we can create a fairer and more effective international legal system.