The “rules-based world order” is a set of norms and values that outline how the world should ideally function, rather than how it actually operates. This aspirational system originated in the aftermath of World War II and was codified in various documents like the United Nations Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the Geneva Conventions. However, these documents have often been disregarded, failing to prevent atrocities such as genocide and torture. Signatories of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights even include countries known for violating human rights. The UN Commission on Human Rights has become a mere parody of its intended purpose.
Nevertheless, these documents have exerted some influence on real-world behavior. Soviet dissidents used human rights language from treaties signed by the Kremlin to challenge their government. Countries engaged in brutal wars have attempted to adhere to the laws of war or expressed remorse when failing to do so. For instance, American soldiers convicted of mistreating Iraqi prisoners were sentenced to time in military prisons. The British and French continue to grapple with the actions of their soldiers in Northern Ireland and Algeria respectively.
The recent Russian invasion of Ukraine and Hamas’s surprise attack on Israeli civilians signal a departure from the established rules-based world order. Both aggressors have employed sophisticated, militarized forms of terrorism without remorse. Rather than fighting conventional wars and adhering to the laws of war, they deliberately sow fear and chaos among civilian populations. Terrorism, traditionally associated with smaller revolutionary groups, has now become a tactic employed by Russia in its wars. In Syria, Russian and Syrian government forces intentionally targeted civilian infrastructure including hospitals, despite the knowledge that it constituted war crimes. In Ukraine, Russian forces targeted a wider range of civilian facilities, causing numerous civilian casualties.
Hamas, though not a sovereign state, has the support of Iran and funding from Qatar. In a well-planned and organized attack, Hamas used missiles, drones, and armed men to spread terror and create chaos among civilians. They targeted a music festival, murdered innocent people, abducted women, and committed war crimes. Hamas has disregarded the laws of war and norms of conduct, much like Russia. Their goal is to disrupt the rules-based world order and promote anarchy. These acts of terrorism have been filmed and circulated online to exacerbate misery and anger.
To understand the behavior of Russia and Hamas, one must consider the nature of their totalitarian regimes. However, blame can also be attributed to other actors. Autocratic countries, led by China, have attempted to undermine human rights and the rule of law in international forums, favoring the concept of “sovereignty” instead. China’s mistreatment of the Uyghur minority and the erosion of rights in Hong Kong demonstrate their disregard for international norms. Furthermore, autocracies have engaged in provocative behavior to challenge the rule of law beyond their borders. Belarus forced an Irish-owned plane to land in Minsk and captured one of its citizens, while Russia has orchestrated assassinations in London, Washington, and Berlin.
Democracies, including the United States, also bear responsibility for the erosion of the rules-based world order. They have either failed to enforce order when they could or violated the rules themselves. For example, the Bush administration tolerated interrogation black sites and torture during the War on Terror. The Obama administration accused Syria of using chemical weapons but took no action to prevent it. Donald Trump controversially pardoned American war criminals and advocated for extrajudicial killings, even suggesting the execution of a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership in Israel has also enabled extreme voices and undermined the country’s judiciary and rule of law. It is essential to acknowledge these shortcomings alongside the events on Saturday, which in no way excuse the actions of Hamas, but shed light on Israel’s role in the erosion of norms. Additionally, weak leadership within the United Nations and a lack of clear security policy within the European Union contribute to the current lack of order.
The aspirational rules-based world order and the international community that supported it have faced criticism throughout their existence. Statesmen expressing “profound concern” over broken rules without taking action have been rightly mocked for their hypocritical stance. Recently, Russia’s deputy defense minister parodied this rhetoric by calling for “peace” between Israel and Hamas based on “recognized agreements,” as if Russia itself is an exemplar of compliance.
The world is gradually entering an era without any semblance of order, whether rules-based or otherwise. The erosion of norms by autocratic regimes and democratic failures to enforce order have contributed to this state of affairs. It is imperative to recognize the bigger picture and the challenges we face in a world without order.
Source: Article adapted from “2022 Is the Year the Rules-Based Order Collapses,” The Atlantic
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