By John Q. Hosedrinker 
French President Emmanuel Macron’s stance on the escalating conflict in the Middle East suggests a growing alignment with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, particularly regarding the legality of recent actions. Macron has cautioned against expectations of a swift resolution, warning that strikes and counterattacks are likely to persist, impacting the wider region. In response to these concerns and to safeguard French interests, the nation is deploying its aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, along with supporting air defense systems to the Mediterranean, and has also sent anti-missile systems to Cyprus.
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The recent assertion that U.S. strikes on Iran fall outside the bounds of international law, as articulated by French President Macron, brings into sharp relief the complex and often contentious nature of global governance. This statement, however, is met with a significant degree of skepticism from many quarters, with some arguing that the very concept of “international law” is more aspirational than enforceable.
The core of this skepticism lies in the perceived lack of genuine enforcement mechanisms for international law. It’s often viewed not as a binding legal code, but rather as a set of guidelines or gentleman’s agreements that primarily serve to maintain a semblance of order among like-minded nations during peaceful times. When major global powers act unilaterally, particularly in situations involving perceived threats, the effectiveness and relevance of these established norms are called into question.
A key argument against the efficacy of international law is that many of the world’s adversaries, and indeed even some allies when it suits their interests, do not adhere to its tenets. The United Nations and its various legal bodies, while intended to be arbiters of international conduct, are frequently seen as lacking the real power to enforce their rulings. This absence of a robust enforcement body means that transgressions, even those widely condemned, often go without meaningful consequence.
Furthermore, the very definition of what constitutes a violation of international law can be a point of contention. For an action to be demonstrably against international law, proponents of stricter adherence argue that specific articles within foundational documents like the UN Charter must be cited. Simply stating that something is “against the law” without substantiating it with concrete legal basis is seen as insufficient and politically motivated.
The framework of international law, some argue, is more accurately described as “International Best Behavior” rather than rigid law. This perspective suggests that while principles like the prohibition of territorial annexation or the undermining of national independence are clearly outlined, the act of striking military assets belonging to a hostile actor might not necessarily fall under these prohibitions, especially when viewed through the lens of self-defense or preemption against perceived threats.
This perceived impunity for powerful nations is further highlighted by comparisons to other situations where international law has been disregarded with little to no repercussions. The ongoing actions of China in violation of international maritime law, for instance, are often cited as an example of major powers facing no significant consequences. The argument is made that when powerful nations are involved, hypocrisy abounds, and international condemnation often lacks teeth.
The situation prompts a broader reflection on the effectiveness of diplomatic pleas and condemnations versus tangible action. The argument is made that while the EU might issue condemnations for human rights abuses or military actions, these expressions of disapproval do not deter those who are willing to act outside established norms. This leads some to question the efficacy of “peace and prayers” diplomacy in a world where might often appears to be right.
The notion that international law is selectively applied and enforced depending on the identity of the perpetrator and the victim is a recurring theme. This perceived double standard breeds cynicism and leads to questions about whether such a system can truly promote justice and stability. It fuels a sentiment that adherence to international law is contingent on a nation’s geopolitical standing rather than on inherent moral or legal principles.
The current geopolitical climate is seen by many as signaling a breakdown in the established international rules-based order. The inability of existing frameworks to address violations by powerful actors suggests a need for new rules or a radical overhaul of the current system. However, the path forward remains unclear, with concerns about hypocrisy and a lack of universal willingness to uphold any new set of principles.
The assertion that international law only matters if the United States agrees to abide by it, and that the U.S. unilaterally dictates its relevance, is a harsh but, for some, a realistic assessment of the current global landscape. This perspective suggests that without the willingness of the most powerful nation to uphold and enforce these laws, they become mere paper tigers, lacking any real teeth.
This brings us back to Macron’s statement. While it may be a legally sound observation according to established international legal interpretations, the practical implications are debatable. The reality seems to be that in the absence of a universally accepted and enforceable legal framework, actions taken by powerful nations, regardless of their legal standing, are often met with a grudging acceptance or, at best, vocal opposition that lacks the force to compel change. The debate over U.S. strikes on Iran, and Macron’s condemnation, underscores this ongoing struggle to reconcile sovereign interests with the ideals of international law in a world where enforcement remains a significant challenge.