Building his argument solely on the “theoretics” of international law, while neglecting the extra-legal weight of historical and circumstantial facts/evidence, makes his position misleading and lacking in depth. The reality is while Western Europe boasts the finest model of domestic democracy, anyone is disillusioned to think or believe international relations revolve around international law, democracy and its ideals of sovereignty. In the international theatre, the levers of international relations and foreign policy revolve around the pistons of economic and/or military might — “mightocracy” — rather than democracy. In essence, when nations interact, the basis is not altruism or international law but strategic national interests wherein politico-economic and/or military might is the de facto factor. A national threat that surpasses the weight of an encyclopaedia of sanctions.

Source: Punch April 26, 2022 11:52 UTC