Modern international law is neither truly public, reliably international, nor consistently enforceable; it largely serves the convenience of superpowers, who follow rules only when they align with their strategic interests.

Erosion of International Law in Recent Years

• Violation of the UN Charter's Prohibition on the Use of Force: E.g. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine (2022), U.S.-Israeli war on Iran (2026).
• Disregard for UNCLOS: E.g. China’s refusal to accept the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling on the South China Sea; maritime blockade of Strait of Hormuz by US and Iran.
• Violations of International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law: E.g. Indiscriminate civilian casualties in Gaza and China’s treatment of Uyghurs in Xinjiang.
• Weakening of Arms-Control Regimes:  E.g. the termination of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty between the US and Russia, acceleration of Iran's nuclear program, etc.
• Failure to Enforce Environmental Commitments: E.g. Illegal deforestation in the Amazon despite global climate commitments.
• Weak Institutions: E.g. UN Security Council deadlocks and the International Criminal Court's inability to prosecute major powers.

Way Forward

• Strengthen Multilateral Institutions: Make them more representative, effective, accountable and capable of enforcing norms, including stronger judicial and monitoring bodies.
• Revitalize Arms Control: Update key agreements and promote compliance.
• Ensure Compliance with Global Norms: Strengthen monitoring, financing, and enforcement for environmental obligations, human rights, and humanitarian law.
• Foster Rule-Based Conduct: Encourage diplomacy, restraint, and peaceful dispute resolution.