International Law's Resilience Amid Global Conflicts: Relevance for Global Governance

The Hindu - Opinion · 11 Aug 2026 · 2 min read
Prelims · International relations Mains · GS2 International relations High relevance

Despite ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and West Asia undermining its effectiveness, international law remains a critical framework for state conduct and dispute resolution, as highlighted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

Key points

UN Secretary-General António Guterres recently asserted that international law, though under pressure, will prevail, emphasizing its enduring role in shaping state behavior and resolving disputes.

Conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza have exposed limitations of international institutions, yet states continue to justify actions using international law, indicating its normative influence.

International Humanitarian Law and the UN Charter are frequently invoked by states, even those accused of violations, demonstrating the legal system's persistent relevance.

Treaty regimes, as argued by scholars Abram Chayes and Antonia Handler Chayes, create compliance dynamics beyond sanctions, fostering cooperation through legal frameworks.

[GS2-International Relations] The Indus Waters Treaty exemplifies how international law sustains engagement between adversarial states like India and Pakistan, even during political discord.

High Seas Treaty and UN Convention against Cybercrime illustrate ongoing multilateral efforts, proving states still rely on international law for global challenges like climate change and cyber threats.

[GS3-Security] Structural limitations of the UN Security Council highlight inequalities in international law, yet its standards remain vital for judging state conduct and fostering accountability.

Global South benefits from a rules-based order, as seen in India's use of international law to advance interests without relying solely on power dynamics.

Way Forward: Strengthen treaty compliance mechanisms through transparent monitoring, reform UN Security Council to reflect contemporary power structures, and enhance dispute resolution frameworks to address non-state actors in conflicts.

Key terms

International Humanitarian Law

A body of rules that seek to limit the effects of armed conflict by protecting non-combatants and restricting means of warfare. Governed by treaties like the Geneva Conventions, it is crucial for UPSC as it intersects with India's security policies, humanitarian interventions, and obligations under international treaties.

UN Charter

The foundational treaty of the United Nations, establishing its purposes, principles, and organs. For UPSC, it is pivotal in understanding India's role in multilateralism, peacekeeping (e.g., UNMISS), and conflicts like Kashmir, where Charter principles like self-determination are invoked.

Indus Waters Treaty

A 1960 water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan, mediated by the World Bank. Relevant for UPSC as it demonstrates India's adherence to international law despite bilateral tensions, and its strategic importance in transboundary water governance (GS2 and GS3).

High Seas Treaty

A 2023 UN agreement to protect marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Significant for UPSC as it reflects India's stance on global commons, climate diplomacy, and sustainable development goals (SDG 14).