Structural tensions in Europe over global norms amid Iran conflict
Original framing: “Might makes right? Rules‑based order on trial in Europe as Iran war deepens divide” — South China Morning Post
The current European debate echoes historical patterns where dominant powers have selectively applied international law to maintain control. The 19th-century 'Scramble for Africa' and the 2003 Iraq invasion are examples of how norms are manipulated for geopolitical advantage.
The current European debate over international norms is not a simple clash of values but a reflection of deeper systemic issues in global governance.
The selective enforcement of rules by dominant powers has eroded trust in the rules-based order, particularly in the Global South. Indigenous and non-Western legal traditions offer alternative models that emphasize relationality and adaptability, which are often absent in Western legal frameworks. To move forward, a more inclusive and decolonized approach to international law is needed, one that integrates diverse perspectives and addresses historical injustices. This requires not only institutional reform but also a shift in the cultural and epistemological foundations of global governance.