What was a significant limitation of the Permanent Court of International Justice?

The significant limitation of the Permanent Court of International Justice (PCIJ) was that it had no mechanism to enforce its decisions. This means that while the Court could make rulings and offer advice on international legal disputes, it lacked the power to compel states to comply with its judgments. Enforcement depended on the willingness of the countries involved to adhere to the Court's rulings, which at times resulted in decisions being ignored or not fully implemented. This limitation highlighted the challenges faced by international law in maintaining authority and achieving compliance in a world where state sovereignty was paramount.

The other choices reflect misunderstandings about the Court's structure and function. The PCIJ did not have unlimited authority, nor was it constrained solely to economic disputes. Additionally, the Court was composed of judges from various countries, ensuring representation in its judiciary, which is an essential characteristic of its operation.