International law, in principle, should be the guiding force in shaping peaceful relations between countries, resolving conflicts before they escalate into wars, and ensuring a fair global system that upholds justice for all. For decades, it has been perceived as the cornerstone of global governance, rooted in the aftermath of World War II, and designed to ensure that the atrocities of war were never repeated. Yet, the reality today is far more disheartening. International law, while theoretically omnipresent, has struggled to maintain its relevance and authority, particularly when it challenges the interests of powerful nations.

The global political landscape was fundamentally reshaped after World War II. The defeat of the Axis powers and the establishment of the United Nations (UN) were intended to mark the beginning of a new era, where peace, human rights, and justice would be safeguarded by a universal set of laws. However, these lofty ideals have often been compromised by the selective application of international law. The great powers, particularly Western nations, have manipulated and bent the law to their advantage, prioritizing military and economic power over justice and equality.

International law has long been subordinate to the political and economic interests of the most influential countries, particularly the United States and its allies. The law, in theory, is supposed to operate impartially, ensuring that all nations, regardless of their size or military might, are held to the same standards. Unfortunately, this ideal has rarely materialized. The global South, particularly African, Asian, and Latin American countries, have often found themselves at the mercy of Western powers, whose influence over international institutions like the UN has led to the imposition of policies that benefit the powerful and neglect the oppressed.

The wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya serve as stark examples of how international law has been manipulated to serve the........

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