From Russia to Israel to the US, the ruins of international law are all around us

Wars and violence are not the only indications of international law’s decline — the same trend afflicts the global economy as the world turns to protectionism

Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election despite, or perhaps because of, his contempt for international law. Picture: Scott Olson/Getty Images

Over the last two weeks, Israel has repeatedly attacked Syria — destroying military facilities and occupying territory — in clear violation of the United Nations Charter, which forbids the use of military force against foreign states except in self-defense or with the authorisation of the Security Council.

While some countries have condemned Israel, the United States and most others are withholding criticism. They probably fear if Syria’s weapons are not destroyed, they could fall into the hands of terrorist organisations. Never mind that international law does not allow for such exceptions; it has become another casualty of events.