(in international law) A minimum standard of treatment that must always be observed with regard to the treatment of foreign nationals. This standard consists of at least the right to life, liberty, and free access to the courts and to the protection of property (especially fair compensation for the nationalization of property). The international minimum standard has proved to be contentious with developing countries and Socialist states, who believe that it merely advances Western economic imperialism. See also espousal of claim; expropriation. Compare national treatment standard. Subjects: International Law.