If we follow the 24-hour satellite television or the relentless barrage of social media posts, we would come to the conclusion that the world today is a violent, brutal place. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Hamas’s act of terror on Oct 7, 2023, followed by Gaza bombing by Israel, the Hezbollah-Israel conflict that ended in an uneasy truce, Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, India-Pakistan tensions following the terror attacks in Pahalgam, and the recent bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities by Israel and the United States—all these give the impression that the world is in turmoil.

But the truth is, despite all these instances of violence, bloodshed and conflict, the world, over the past 80 years after the Second World War, has been remarkably peaceful and stable. Yes, there are many unresolved issues and a lot of tension leading to armed skirmishes or conflicts. But the bigger picture is one of stability and broad acceptance and observance of global norms.

Nevertheless, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and Israeli and American bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities also indicate a changing world order. The global system today is built on the foundations of the Peace of Westphalia in 1648 after endless conflict and bloodshed in Europe.

Modern notions of sovereignty, non-interference in the domestic affairs of other states, and equal treatment of sovereign states........

© Free Press Journal