Donald Trump faces numerous serious accusations, but dismantling international law isn’t one of them. Historically, powerful nations have disregarded international law whenever it suited their interests. Indeed, what we call international law has always been a concession by the strong, and a convenient option for them when it’s easy and beneficial.
Consider this: the United Nations authorized the United States to intervene in Kuwait in 1991. Though, the U.S. invaded Iraq in 2003 without UN approval, despite the false claims about weapons of mass destruction – a narrative supported by tony Blair and José María Aznar.
The Soviet Union justified its invasions of Hungary (1956) and Czechoslovakia (1968) through the Warsaw Pact.Yet, in 1979, it invaded Afghanistan simply because it deemed it appropriate. These actions highlight a consistent pattern.
Here’s what you need to understand: international law isn’t a rigid set of rules universally followed. It’s a fluid system shaped by power dynamics. You’ll find that powerful countries frequently enough act in their self-interest, irrespective of legal constraints.
I’ve found that the idea of a universally respected international legal order is often a myth. It’s a useful fiction, sometimes employed to legitimize actions already taken or planned. But it rarely constrains those with the capacity to ignore it.
Thus, attributing the erosion of international law solely to one individual or administration overlooks a long history of selective application and disregard. It’s a continuation of a pattern, not a sudden disruption.
To truly grasp this, you must recognize that international law functions more as a set of guidelines than unbreakable rules. These guidelines are frequently bent or broken by nations prioritizing their own strategic goals.
Ultimately, the narrative surrounding international law and its supposed dismantling needs nuance. It’s a complex issue rooted in the realities of global power, not a recent phenomenon.
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