The Inescapable Tangle of International Law and Geopolitics in 2024

As 2024 unfolds with rapid developments, international law faces scrutiny amid geopolitical turbulence, especially highlighted by the Israel-Hamas conflict. The expectation that international law can provide a solution to geopolitical issues is being challenged, raising questions about its effectiveness.

The International Court of Justice found itself at the center of attention as the year approached its close, particularly due to a high-profile genocide case involving Israel. The complexities of 2024 seemed to defy conventional summarization, as notable journalist Amanda Taub highlighted in her last column of the year.

The year was marked by escalating tensions and conflicts, compelling the global community to reassess the role of international law. The Israel-Hamas war rekindled a debate about the practicality of a so-called "rules-based order" that many believe should transcend the often-mundane realities of geopolitics. When international law fails to protect civilians in conflict zones, disillusionment arises, leading some to regard such laws as mere rhetoric devoid of tangible power.

One insightful resource that sheds light on the paradoxes of international law is Kate Cronin-Furman's "Hypocrisy and Human Rights." Cronin-Furman's work encourages readers to view international law not strictly as a tool of efficacy or futility but rather as a complex overlay of both—neither wholly ineffective nor omnipotent.

The lingering question remains: what value does international law hold if it cannot alleviate human suffering in war-torn regions? The events of 2024 challenge us to ponder this question deeply, highlighting the ongoing tension between legal frameworks and geopolitical realities. As the international community reflects on the tumultuous year, a redefined perspective on international law’s role may emerge, serving as both a directive and a reminder of its limitations in a world rife with conflict.