Do not write the obituary of international law yet
This article argues that international law remains a vital framework for global order despite recent failures in conflict resolution. It posits that even states violating international norms feel compelled to justify their actions through legal language, proving the system's continued relevance.
Why it matters
It provides a critical perspective on the stability of the global geopolitical order and the efficacy of international institutions like the UN.
Is international law really dying? The question has become increasingly difficult to ignore. The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, instability in West Asia, violence against civilians, and the inability of international institutions to respond effectively, have led many to conclude that international law is no longer relevant.
International law was premised on the idea that relations between states should be governed not merely by power, but by rules and legal principles built on consensus. When wars still take place, the effectiveness of the system is naturally exposed to scrutiny. However, it would be too early to write an obituary for international law.
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