In brief
This article discusses the implications of the Israel-Hamas war on international law perceptions, highlighting the complexities and shortcomings that have emerged throughout the year 2024.
As we approach the end of 2024, it’s hard to encapsulate this year’s whirlwind of events into a neat package. While my intention is to summarize the key developments from the past twelve months, the speed and intensity of news cycles have rendered this task particularly challenging. Nonetheless, several critical insights have emerged that help us navigate the chaos.One prevailing theme is the relationship between international law and the realities of global politics. The recent Israel-Hamas conflict has thrust international law back into the mainstream discussion, though not always in a positive light. Many hold the expectation that international law should act as a buffer against geopolitical maneuvers—a "rules-based order" capable of transcending deeper strategic interests. However, when it fails to provide relief for innocent civilians caught in the crossfire, disillusionment sets in. This can give rise to a vehement perception that international law is nothing but a facade—if it offers no tangible aid in times of crisis, then what purpose does it truly serve?In navigating these thoughts, one notable text stands out: Kate Cronin-Furman’s "Hypocrisy and Human Rights." This book articulates a nuanced perspective on international law, suggesting it resides within a spectrum marked not by absolute effectiveness or total ineptitude but by a complicated interplay of both. The continuing geopolitical turmoil of 2024 thus illuminates the pressing need to re-evaluate how we perceive the role and efficacy of international law amid stark realities—and whether it can adapt to meet the demands of a changing global landscape.
