Relevance of International Law in Preventing International Conflict: A Case Study of Russia-Ukraine

Abstract

Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 raises the question of the relevance of international law which is supposed to preserve international peace. In the context of the current Russia-Ukraine war, the legitimacy and applicability of international law are being questioned, as it has not been able to protect human rights, which are grossly violated in such a war. In this context, it becomes very pertinent to revisit the idea and practice of international law to find out where the fault lies, why it fails to provide the solution to international conflict, and what can be done to make the body of international law serve its purpose in the true sense. In light of these questions, this article attempts to examine the limitations of international law in relation to addressing the Russia-Ukraine conflict and to reflect on how international law can become an instrument of protecting human rights by preventing international conflict and ensuring international peace.