menu_open Columnists
Donald Rothwell

Donald Rothwell

The Australian

We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close

Why the US strikes on Iran are illegal and can set a troubling precedent

The US and Israel have adopted the most wide-ranging and robust interpretations of the right of self defence. Other nations may now follow their lead.

23.06.2025 6

The Conversation

Donald Rothwell

Australia must stand firm in its support for a rules-based order and reject any US requests for military aid

23.06.2025 50

The Guardian

Donald Rothwell

Can Israel still claim self-defence to justify its Gaza war?

Many nations agreed Israel had a right to self-defence after the October 7 2023 Hamas attacks. Whether this defence still holds 20 months later is now...

10.06.2025 20

The Conversation

Donald Rothwell

Can Israel still claim self-defence to justify its Gaza war? Here's what the law says

09.06.2025 5

The Examiner

Donald Rothwell

Can Israel still claim self-defence to justify its Gaza war? Here's what the law says

09.06.2025 10

Canberra Times

Donald Rothwell

Can Israel still claim self-defence to justify its Gaza war? Here’s what the law says

Many nations agreed Israel had a right to self-defence after the October 7 2023 Hamas attacks. Whether this defence still holds 20 months later is now...

09.06.2025 10

The Conversation

Donald Rothwell

The UK has spoken out against the ‘monstrous’ human catastrophe in Gaza. Why won’t Australia do more?

21.05.2025 7

The Guardian

Donald Rothwell

1 in 5 Gazans face starvation. Can the law force Israel to act?

International law is clear: ‘the use of starvation as a method of warfare is prohibited’. Israel’s blockade of the strip is in clear defiance of this.

19.05.2025 50

The Conversation

Donald Rothwell

China didn’t violate any rules with its live-fire naval exercises. So, why are Australia and NZ so worried?

China gave advance notice about its live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea – but Australia and NZ say it wasn’t enough. And that’s not the only...

24.02.2025 10

The Conversation

Donald Rothwell

What’s the idea behind Trump’s shocking new Gaza proposal?

06.02.2025 30

The Guardian

Donald Rothwell

Trump’s Gaza proposal crosses a red line. The Albanese government must reject it

06.02.2025 10

The Guardian

Donald Rothwell

Trump says he wants to take Greenland. International law says otherwise

The US president says he wants Greenland for security reasons. But Greenland is not terra nullius ripe for American colonisation.

31.01.2025 10

The Conversation

Donald Rothwell

Many of Israel’s Western supporters indicate they would arrest Netanyahu. Will Australia and NZ follow suit?

Ever since the October 7 2023 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, the Albanese government has consistently said Australia respects Israel’s right to...

25.11.2024 4

The Conversation

Donald Rothwell

Palestine has been recognised by more than 140 nations – but not yet Australia. So, what exactly defines a ‘state’?

Is Palestine a state? This long-standing unresolved question has gained considerable diplomatic, legal and political traction this year as Israel’s...

21.08.2024 10

The Conversation

Donald Rothwell