The situation you're describing is commonly referred to as the "commitment problem." The commitment problem arises in international relations when states are hesitant to enter into agreements or treaties due to concerns about the lack of enforcement mechanisms and the possibility of one party violating the agreement in the future. The anarchic nature of the international system, where there is no overarching global authority to enforce agreements, contributes to this issue. States may be reluctant to make commitments if they cannot be assured that other parties will adhere to the terms of the agreement over time.
