Why international law is still the world’s best defence

Al JazeeraEN 6 min read 100% complete by Fatou Bensouda,Sam Sasan ShoamaneshMarch 8, 2026 at 12:25 PM

AI Summary

long article 6 min

Published in March 2026, the article discusses the increasing fragility of the post-World War II international order. It argues that the system of international law, designed to prevent global conflict and protect human rights, is under pressure from ultranationalism, strategic rivalries, and the erosion of established norms. Multilateral institutions are being marginalized, treaties are being breached, and enforcement mechanisms are weakening. The article warns of a drift towards a "force-based order" where power trumps principle, threatening the UN Charter and the prohibition on the illegal use of force. The author suggests that the erosion of international law could lead to a return to anarchy and chaos, echoing concerns raised during World War II about the need for a just and cooperative global order.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

The Hague 40% Netherlands 40% United States 50% UN Security Council 50% Franklin D Roosevelt 60% United Nations Charter 70% World War II ×270% International Criminal Court ×280%

Keywords

international law 100% post-world war ii order 80% united nations charter 70% collective security 60% use of force 60% multilateral institutions 50% great-power conflict 50% human rights 50% world war 40%