---
title: "Attributable Definition in International Law"
description: "In international law, conduct is \"attributable\" to a State when it engages the State's responsibility, crucial for legal accountability in diplomacy."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/attributable"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- In international law, conduct is "attributable" to a State when it is legally connected to that State so as to engage the State's international responsibility for an internationally wrongful act.
- What are the two elements required for an internationally wrongful act under ARSIWA?
- How does the 'effective control' test differ from the 'overall control' test?
- Are acts of a State organ that exceed its authority still attributable?
- Can a State become responsible for the acts of private persons?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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In the Bosnian Genocide case (ICJ, 2007), the Court held that the Srebrenica massacre was not attributable to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia because Serbia lacked "effective control" over the Bosnian Serb forces under ARSIWA Article 8.

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