Kelsen considered International law a true legal system in its own right with its Basic Norm: "states ought to respect international treaties and obligations." He argued for a monist view, meaning that national and international laws are part of one unified system, with international law dominating.

For Kelsen, effectiveness does not apply differently for international law; it is valid only as long as states generally follow and enforce its norms. If international law loses this effectiveness (if states do no longer follow it), then it loses its binding power.

Kelsen's view also implies that national laws gain legitimation partly from aligning with international norms, thus promoting a global legal order where countries are held to common standards.