WHY INTERNATIONAL LAW MATTERSIn recent years, we have witnessed a number of countries and their leaders openly flouting international law and the rules-based order. Yet, it would be a profound mistake to conclude that international law has ceased to matter. As renowned American international law scholar Louis Henkin famously wrote in 1979: Almost all nations observe almost all principles of international law and almost all of their obligations almost all of the time. Daily compliance of international law remains the norm in diplomacy, trade, aviation, maritime navigation, treaty compliance, and peaceful dispute settlement. International law matters precisely because departures from it can be identified, judged, and condemned.

Source: International New York Times March 05, 2026 17:59 UTC