In a world threatened with shifting from an order based on international law to one dominated by the law of the jungle, the rights and stability are at risk. As Amnesty International publishes its 2025/2026 annual report, unprecedented attacks on international law are highlighted as the last defense against chaos.
We are at a turning point. The post-war global order is on the verge of collapse. Following World War II, the principle of “never again” led states to establish a system based on respect for international law. Built over the past 80 years, this order aims to prevent wars and the accumulation of power and wealth by a few. It is based on the idea of a world where rights, justice, and equality prevail.
The year 2025 marks a significant shift as international law is not just being violated, but openly attacked by those seeking to conquer and amass territories and resources without limits. Leaders like Vladimir Putin, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Donald Trump have been at the forefront of these attacks, weakening international law more than ever since its establishment in 1948.
The ongoing assaults on international law raise questions about the fears of the powerful and the urgent need to defend it. The current global order, while imperfect, serves as a powerful check against the law of the jungle and prioritizes justice, protection, and courage in international relations.
As the debate on the importance of international law continues, it emphasizes the need for leaders to uphold the foundational principles of the current system and resist attacks that undermine its effectiveness. The recent actions by Amnesty International serve as a reminder of the non-negotiable nature of human rights and the call for leaders to act decisively in these critical times.
