What Can Be Expected of International Law? Contemporary Developments and the Future of the International Legal Order
Amid global conflicts, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the conduct of hostilities in Gaza, the international legal order is under unprecedented strain. The current attitude of the United States towards that order is illustrated by its recent use of force in Venezuela and threats of military and other intervention in relation to Greenland, Iran, and South American and Caribbean states, as well as by its financial weakening of, or partial withdrawal from, the multilateral system of international institutions, and measures targeting the International Criminal Court. These developments raise foundational questions about the sustainability of international law and the ability of states to maintain or improve the system.
On 23 February 2026, BIICL hosted an online panel discussion, What Can Be Expected of International Law? Contemporary Developments and the Future of the International Legal Order. This webinar convened a panel of experts to discuss recent examples of international law violations and to examine the implications of tremors in geopolitics for the future of the international legal order. The event was convened by Dr Jack Kenny, Visiting Research Fellow in International Law, BIICL.
The chair for the event was Elizabeth Wilmshurst CMG KC, Chatham House. Speakers included Professor Devika Hovell, London School of Economics; Professor Monica Hakimi, Columbia Law School; Professor Yuval Shany, Hebrew University of Jerusalem; and Professor Philippa Webb, Blavatnik School of Government, Oxford. The event was structured as an open discussion, with the Chair moderating the panel through questions and taking additional questions from the audience.
