The Inescapable Tangle of International Law and Geopolitics in 2024

Fri Jul 11 2025 09:11:50 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
The Inescapable Tangle of International Law and Geopolitics in 2024

A retrospective analysis of 2024's significant events reveals the limitations of international law in the context of ongoing geopolitical conflicts.


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.

MORE ON THEME

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 05:04:50 GMT

Israel Claims Surviving Iranian Uranium Post-Attack

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 05:04:50 GMT
Fri, 11 Jul 2025 04:26:43 GMT

Survivors Sought as Houthi Attacks Sink Two Cargo Ships in Red Sea

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 04:26:43 GMT
Thu, 10 Jul 2025 21:14:54 GMT

Concerns Over Surviving Iranian Uranium in Wake of Military Strikes

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 21:14:54 GMT
Thu, 10 Jul 2025 18:21:07 GMT

Israeli Official Claims Some Enriched Uranium in Iran Remains Intact After Strikes

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 18:21:07 GMT
Thu, 10 Jul 2025 15:59:09 GMT

Israel Increases Humanitarian Aid to Gaza Amid International Pressure

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 15:59:09 GMT
Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:50:09 GMT

U.S. Military Enhances Drone Defense in Wake of Evolving Warfare Tactics

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:50:09 GMT
Thu, 10 Jul 2025 13:29:36 GMT

Airstrike Near Gaza Aid Clinic Raises Stakes Amid Cease-Fire Talks

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 13:29:36 GMT
Thu, 10 Jul 2025 10:06:37 GMT

Tragic Strike in Gaza Claims Lives of Children Queueing for Food Supplements

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 10:06:37 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 23:16:13 GMT

India and China Navigate a Cautious Path Towards Reconciliation

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 23:16:13 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 22:38:45 GMT

US Sanctions UN Expert Francesca Albanese Amid Criticism of Israel's Gaza Operations

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 22:38:45 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 22:06:10 GMT

US Sanctions UN Rapporteur Francesca Albanese Over Gaza Conflict Criticism

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 22:06:10 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 22:04:34 GMT

# Hostage Situation Escalates: Houthi Militants Attack Liberian Cargo Ship

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 22:04:34 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 18:38:44 GMT

Search and Rescue Operations Underway After Houthi Attacks Sink Cargo Ships in Red Sea

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 18:38:44 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 18:01:45 GMT

Israel Intensifies Ground Operations in Lebanon, Heightening Tensions with Hezbollah

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 18:01:45 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 13:30:15 GMT

Israel Resumes Ground Operations in Southern Lebanon Amid Fragile Truce

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 13:30:15 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 12:23:07 GMT

**Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations Hit Impasse Despite High-Level Talks**

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 12:23:07 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 09:32:07 GMT

Diplomatic Opening: Israel and Syria Start to Build Bridges**

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 09:32:07 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 07:03:51 GMT

Trump and Netanyahu Discuss Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Gaza Conflict

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 07:03:51 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 06:16:49 GMT

**Trump Remains Optimistic Amid Stalemate in Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations**

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 06:16:49 GMT
Tue, 08 Jul 2025 16:31:39 GMT

# Renewed Hostilities at Sea: Attack on Cargo Ship Raises Alarms

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 16:31:39 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.