Experts at IPIS Panel Diagnose Crisis in International Law Search for Hope Amid Disorder

At an IPIS forum in Tehran international experts diagnosed the crisis facing global legal norms citing the weaponization of power but finding hope in renewed diplomacy and the rising influence of the Global South.

At an IPIS forum in Tehran, international experts diagnosed the crisis facing global legal norms, citing the weaponization of power but finding hope in renewed diplomacy and the rising influence of the Global South.

In a panel discussion at the Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS), a diverse group of international experts gathered to dissect the precarious state of global legal norms and debate the path forward. The discussion, part of a conference on "International Law under Assault," navigated the widespread agreement that the international order faces profound challenges while highlighting the stark disagreements over who bears responsibility for the current disorder.

Manal Redhwan, an advisor to Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister, opened the discussion by identifying a primary concern: the competitive narrative over "who is the aggressor." She argued this creates a defensive posture that strips actors of their agency to reshape circumstances. This, coupled with a growing lack of deep understanding in an age of information overload, hinders progress. However, she expressed hope in the growing realization that force and hegemonic ambitions are failed strategies, which opens a space for dialogue and transformation.

Khalil Shirgholami, Director General of IPIS, framed recent events in Iran as a "laboratory of the erosion of the international law-based order." He asserted that international law was established to contain power, but the world is witnessing a regression to a "zero-sum game" where power is weaponized for self-interest. His hope lies in continued dialogue and the commitment of the "Global South" to preserve consensus-based mechanisms.

George Katrougalos, the UN Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order, offered a sharp analysis of shifting global dynamics. He argued the new, destabilizing element is not American interventionism, a historical constant, but rather Washington's deliberate distancing of itself from the UN-based system it helped create. He attributed this to the "rise of the rest," which has ushered in a multipolar world where nations practice "multi-alignment." Hope, he suggested, can be found in the power of popular movements and the rising influence of the Global South.

Pierre-Emmanuel Dupont, a Senior Lecturer at the Institute Catholique de Vendee, turned the focus to Europe, observing a troubling trend of "selective application" of international law and "double standards" by many European governments. He contrasted the strong, unified European condemnation of Israel's 1981 attack on an Iraqi nuclear facility with the muted response to a similar recent aggression against Iran. This inconsistency, he warned, undermines core EU foreign policy objectives and imperils global peace.

Andrea Margeletti, President of Italy's Center for International Studies (CeSI), stressed the need for fact-based analysis over perceptions. "I can't be paid for my opinion. My opinion is zero," he stated, calling for intellectual honesty. He was also less romantic about the power of street protests, arguing that while politicians listen to "people on the street" because they are voters, decision-makers must govern with their brains, as popular opinion is not always right.

Providing a practitioner's view, Vincent Cassard of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) highlighted a stark paradox: International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is the most unanimously accepted body of law, yet it is increasingly disrespected, leading to "appalling violence." He emphasized that the primary responsibility to respect and enforce these rules lies with states. While the current situation paints a grim picture, he shared a source of hope: an initiative launched in 2024 by the ICRC and six states has now grown to include 130 nations working to develop practical, state-led measures to better protect civilians and uphold "our common humanity."

Bringing the discussion back to diplomatic action, Manal Redhwan argued the ultimate lesson from recent crises is that diplomacy and negotiation are the only means to achieve real results. "We have a responsibility to fill the glass," she concluded, underscoring the need for proactive agency in repairing the international order.