International Law in the Modern World

Paper Summary:

The writer of this paper contends that the modern world is characterized by greater contact and interaction between nations. With this in mind, the author examines the role of international law in the modern world. He continues and contends that at the same time the contemporary world is also a place of greater complexity and competition for scarce resources, as well as increasing conflict. The writer contends that international law must face extremely difficult and complex situations in maintaining the ideals of peace and order and that there are areas where international law is virtually powerless whilst there are others where the role of international law has been very effective. The paper concludes that, as the world grows more complex and as the danger to peace and human equality intensifies, the need for a strong and well-supported system of international law increases as well.

From the Paper:

"However, many of these high ideals have not yet been accomplished in the present century. In fact, international law has failed to a certain extent, particularly in the area of international conflict. One of the central problems that International law faces is the usurpation of its objectivity and impartiality by the politics and agendas of 'superpowers" or influential countries. This can be seen for example in the events leading up to the recent Iraq war. In this case, the position held by international law, as defined by the United Nations, was overruled by the United States. Therefore, the standing of international law has been reduced in many cases by the complexity of international politics and the often convoluted and intricate views and agendas of influential countries like the United States, the Soviet Union and China. This has played a major part in the effectiveness of international law in recent years. This aspect has also curtailed the ability of international law to deal with the various complex conflicts and issues in the world, such as the conflict in Darfur."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Horton, Scott. A Decent Respect: What does international law mean to us today January 20, 2008. <http://www.harpers.org/archive/2007/04/horton-20070428vgjt >
• Kinsley M. Today We Obey. Invoking international law--when it suits us.2003. January 20, 2008 <http://www.slate.com/id/2080777/>
• Koskenniemi M. The History of International Law Today. 2004. January 20, 2008<http://209.85.175.104/search?q=cache:JMyrQWZDLyYJ:www.helsinki.fi/eci/Publications/MHistory.pdf+International+law+today&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=3&gl=za>
• Krieger D. Building Global Peace in the Nuclear Age. 2006. January 21, 2008. <http://www.wagingpeace.org/articles/2006/11/10_krieger_building.htm>
• Learn about International Law and creating a more secure world. January 21, 2008.<http://www.wagingpeace.org/menu/issues/international-law/index.htm>

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