International law recognizes certain grounds justifying or excusing non-compliance by a state with its international obligations. These defenses preclude the responsibility of a state for its wrongful conduct. The Draft Articles in Chapter V of Part One enlist these defenses under the heading of “circumstances precluding wrongfulness,” though they are not exclusive. It sets out six circumstances (defenses):
• Consent (Art. 20),
• Self-defense (Art. 21),
• Countermeasures (Art. 22),
• Force majeure (Art. 23),                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   • Distress (Art. 24),
• Necessity (Art. 25).

Cooperation is not among the defenses listed in The Draft Articles.