Philenews

The Struggle Between the Rule of Law and the Law of the Strong

Published January 7, 2026, 07:16
The Struggle Between the Rule of Law and the Law of the Strong

Following the devastation of World War II, humanity attempted to establish an international system based on the rule of law rather than the power of the strong. The UN was founded with the aim of preventing wars and resolving disputes through international law and consensus. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international conventions strengthened this framework. However, the UN has failed to establish global peace, as the interests of powerful states often prevailed. The Security Council, with the veto power of its permanent members, frequently blocked the application of international law when it did not serve their interests. The tolerance of illegality and the violation of international law have allowed the powerful to continue using war as a tool of dominance. The lack of deterrence and the retreat of UN bodies on issues affecting the interests of the strong have contributed to this situation. The article emphasizes the need for a stronger system to prevent the violation of international law and promote the rule of law over the law of the strong. Creating such a system remains a constant challenge, as it requires the genuine commitment of all states to abide by international rules and avoid unilateral action.