States and international organizations are considered legal entities in public international law because they are considered as having an ability to interact in the international legal system. States and international organizations have rights and obligations and can enter into international agreements and treaties, as well as initiate dispute settlement proceedings. They also possess a capacity to invoke legal remedies, such as diplomatic protection, and to sue before international forums. In other words, they are seen as having a personality in the international arena, similar to that of a living person.