Trump and his ilk imagine a world without international law – but they will not achieve it | Philippe Sands
The landscape of international law is experiencing significant upheaval, echoing historical patterns of creation, destruction, and reconstruction. The year 1945 was monumental, marking the establishment of the United Nations and the International Military Tribunal, both pivotal in addressing war crimes following World War II. Fast forward to today, and we find ourselves in a period that some argue is leading towards a world devoid of the very legal frameworks that were designed to maintain global order. This sentiment is increasingly echoed in contemporary discussions, notably highlighted by a recent Financial Times editorial titled “A World Without Rules.”
The editorial draws attention to two critical incidents that exemplify the erosion of the established “rules-based order.” The first was Israel’s missile strike on a building in Qatar that housed Hamas officials, an act that raises questions about the legality and morality of state actions in conflict. The second incident involved the incursion of 19 Russian drones into Polish airspace, which further illustrates the growing tensions and disregard for international norms. According to the Financial Times, these actions contribute to a rising anarchy and a surge in violence, suggesting that the foundational principles of international law are under threat. Philippe Sands, a prominent legal scholar at University College London, articulates this crisis in his lecture, “A World Without Law?”, emphasizing that the current state of affairs reflects a critical juncture in international relations and law, reminiscent of past cycles where rules were both established and subsequently dismantled.
As we reflect on these developments, it becomes imperative to consider the broader implications for global governance and the potential for reconstruction in the face of such challenges. The historical context of international law suggests that while we may be witnessing a disintegration of established norms, there is also the possibility for renewal and adaptation. The lessons of the past remind us that from chaos can emerge new frameworks that better reflect the realities of our times. This cycle of creation and destruction is not new; rather, it is a testament to the resilience of international law and the ongoing quest for a more just and orderly world. As we navigate these turbulent waters, the discourse surrounding international law will be crucial in shaping the future of global relations and ensuring that the mistakes of the past are not repeated.
History shows us that the creation of international rules and institutions is followed by their partial destruction, and a reconstruction that builds on what came before
Nineteen forty-five was a pivotal moment in international law, marking the
founding of the United Nations
and the
International Military Tribunal
to investigate war crimes committed during the second world war. Eighty years on, it is increasingly being said that we are living through a moment of great change, towards a world that is without such law.
In September, the Financial Times published an editorial headlined “
A world without rules
”. That view was premised on two incidents: Israel’s launch of a missile strike on a building that hosted Hamas officials in Qatar; and the flight of 19 Russian drones into Polish airspace. This flouting of the previous “rules-based order”, the FT said, was now producing “a kind of anarchy and a proliferation of violence”.
Philippe Sands is professor of law at University College London
This is adapted from A World Without Law?, the
46th FA Mann Lecture
, delivered by Philippe Sands on 18 November 2025
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