The hottest International Law Substack posts right now

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Top World Politics Topics

How Western Judges Became Chinese State Puppets

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 55 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judiciary International Law Human Rights Totalitarianism Legal system
  1. Some Western judges are working in Hong Kong's highest court, but it's seen as supporting China's strict government instead of promoting justice.
  2. Lord Jonathan Sumption, a former UK Supreme Court member, criticized how the law is misused to silence dissent against the Chinese Communist Party.
  3. After seeing how the legal system operates in Hong Kong, Sumption decided he no longer wanted to be involved with it.

None Of These War Criminals Will Face Justice While The US Empire Exists

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2463 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War Crimes Justice Government Accountability International Law Media Criticism
  1. Many officials involved in war crimes don't face justice because powerful countries protect them. They often continue their careers without consequences.
  2. Questions about war crimes can lead to disrespectful treatment, even removal from press conferences. The focus is more on the questions being asked than the issues raised.
  3. Real change and justice seem impossible as long as the current power structures exist. The cycle of violence and impunity will continue unless there's a shift in global power.

The Western Way of Genocide

The Chris Hedges Report • 453 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Human Rights Conflict International Law Military Affairs
  1. Gaza is facing a severe humanitarian crisis with no clean water or food, leading to widespread sickness and suffering among its population.
  2. The ongoing violence and destruction in Gaza are seen as part of a larger strategy to control resources and land, with little support from international allies to stop it.
  3. Historical patterns of genocide and oppression are highlighted, stressing that current actions are not unique, but rather resemble past atrocities committed by powerful nations against marginalized groups.

Natan Sharansky: Why Can’t Israel’s Leader Visit Auschwitz?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1534 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics International Law Middle East Human Rights Antisemitism Geopolitics
  1. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu can't attend the Auschwitz commemoration due to war crime charges from the ICC. This situation is highly ironic since it's a significant event related to Jewish history.
  2. The ICC's charges against Netanyahu have been criticized by the Biden administration as having no legal basis, but Poland has not taken action to support his attendance.
  3. Important legal concepts like 'crimes against humanity' and 'genocide' were created by Polish-born Jews after the Holocaust, which adds another layer of irony to the accusations against Israel today.

"Too Much Evidence" Of Genocide

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2198 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Human Rights International Law Geopolitics Conflict resolution
  1. South Africa has submitted a lot of documents claiming there's clear evidence of genocide by Israel. They say they actually have too much evidence to handle.
  2. Israeli forces are allegedly blocking Palestinians from returning to their homes, which has raised concerns about ethnic cleansing. A high-profile conference was even held to discuss resettling Gaza.
  3. Aid reaching Gaza is extremely low, and reports show many civilians, including journalists, are being killed. This has been highlighted by various news outlets despite a lack of action from powerful countries.
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Yemen must be the last straw

New Means • 4284 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics War Crimes International Law Genocide Human Rights Military Intervention
  1. Yemen has been enduring bombings and suffering from poverty due to conflict with the involvement of multiple countries.
  2. International laws and principles are being ignored in conflicts like the bombing of Yemen for reasons like shipping delays.
  3. There is a call to build power and organize protests to effect real change and end the cycle of violence and injustice.

Progressive realism and Perfidious Albion

Wrong Side of History • 584 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Foreign Relations Conflict International Law Human Rights
  1. Armenia is caught in a tough spot geopolitically, needing support from larger powers such as Iran, Turkey, and Russia but often feeling abandoned. This ongoing struggle shapes their national identity and foreign relations.
  2. Azerbaijan has a strong military backed by Turkey, leaving Armenia feeling vulnerable and lacking allies. Many Armenians fear another attack from Azerbaijan in the near future.
  3. Britain's foreign policy appears to neglect Armenia's history and needs, as seen in recent comments from officials that seem to favor Azerbaijan. This raises concerns about human rights and ethical responsibilities in international relations.

The World Court has put Israel and its allies on trial for genocide

Jonathan Cook • 3518 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Genocide International Law Human Rights Israel Palestine
  1. The World Court has put Israel and its allies on trial for genocide based on evidence presented by South Africa.
  2. The ICJ ruling highlights a moral conundrum about Israel's treatment of Palestinians over the years.
  3. Other states could be investigated for complicity in genocide as the World Court scrutinizes Israel's actions.

World Court Orders Israel to Abide by Genocide Convention and Stop Killing

husseini • 1690 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics International Law Genocide Human Rights United Nations Israel-Palestine conflict
  1. The World Court ordered Israel to abide by the Genocide Convention and stop killing Palestinians in Gaza.
  2. The UN General Assembly now has the power to suspend Israel and establish a tribunal to prosecute Israeli officials.
  3. Activism like the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement can be escalated against Israel, modeled after activities against apartheid South Africa.

Craig Murray: Has International Law Survived, or Has the Western Political Class Killed It?

husseini • 1415 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics International Law Genocide UN Israel
  1. The International Court of Justice did not affirm Israel's right to self-defense, a crucial point in the ruling.
  2. The ICJ ruling outlined detailed evidence of genocide in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the factual situation.
  3. The court's order explicitly directed Israel to stop killing Palestinians, indicating a clear stance against ongoing violence.

Genocidal Scorecard

The Chris Hedges Report • 311 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Human Rights International Law Middle East Political Commentary
  1. A recent U.N. report describes Israel's actions in Gaza as a systematic genocide against Palestinians, warning that this violence is expanding to the West Bank.
  2. The report emphasizes a need for international action, including a full arms embargo on Israel, to stop the ongoing atrocities and assist Palestinian communities.
  3. Israel's current tactics, which include forced displacements and attacks on aid, are creating dire humanitarian conditions, threatening the survival of the Palestinian people.

The Moral Bankruptcy of the West

John’s Substack • 84 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Human Rights Geopolitics International Law Middle East Conflict
  1. Recent reports accuse Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. Organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have highlighted these issues.
  2. Countries like the United States, Britain, and Germany, which claim to care about human rights, are seen as supporting these actions rather than stopping them.
  3. Many human rights advocates and the media in the West have been unusually silent about the situation in Gaza, raising questions about their moral stance.

The Rules of War

Discourse Blog • 1611 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics War Crimes Humanitarian Crisis Military conflict International Law
  1. Human beings have the capacity for both horrific violence and compassion, and should strive to prevent harm to others in times of conflict.
  2. The Geneva Conventions established rules of war to protect civilians, but these rules have been widely disregarded and broken.
  3. In the face of extreme violence and atrocities in war, it is crucial for individuals to recognize and condemn evil acts, even when committed by powerful entities.

ICJ's Israel genocide decision: Historic victory for Palestinians and Global South

Geopolitical Economy Report • 857 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Genocide International Law Human Rights Conflict resolution
  1. The International Court of Justice's historic decision on Israel potentially violating the genocide convention is a win for Palestinians and the Global South
  2. The ICJ's ruling emphasized the need for Israel to prevent genocide acts against Palestinians, ensure humanitarian aid access, and preserve evidence of alleged crimes
  3. The ICJ indirectly called for a ceasefire in Gaza, exposing the Western media's distorted coverage of the decision and highlighting the declining international support for Israel

Mug Moscow Now

Diane Francis • 1059 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics International Law Geopolitics Conflict resolution Economic Sanctions War Crimes
  1. Western countries have frozen over $300 billion in Russian assets since the invasion of Ukraine. Some propose using this money to help fund Ukraine's defense and recovery.
  2. While some countries like Belgium are trying to find ways to access these funds, overall efforts have faced obstacles and legal concerns. The belief that Russia would compensate Ukraine after the war is unrealistic.
  3. Enforcing tougher sanctions on Russia, especially on its oil and gas exports, is vital to limit its ability to finance the war. Immediate action is needed to support Ukraine effectively.

Genocide as Colonial Erasure (w/ Francesca Albanese) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 161 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Human Rights International Law Conflict Colonialism Media influence
  1. Genocide is recognized as a process, and many actions taken against the Palestinian people, including mass killings and forced displacement, indicate a systematic effort to destroy them as a group.
  2. The situation in both Gaza and the West Bank shows a deteriorating humanitarian crisis, with conditions worsening and acts of violence against Palestinians increasing significantly over time.
  3. International responses, including arms embargos and legal actions, are crucial to address ongoing violence and prevent further genocide; the failure to halt these actions raises concerns about global accountability and respect for human rights.

Norman Finkelstein’s Gaza: A Book Review by Khaled Beydoun

Pen>Sword • 858 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Human Rights Book review Gaza International Law
  1. Norman Finkelstein's book 'Gaza: An Inquest Into its Martyrdom' provides an intimate understanding of Gaza's pain and history.
  2. Finkelstein's book emphasizes the human cost of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Gaza, providing a compelling narrative that humanizes Palestinians.
  3. The book challenges prevailing narratives about Gaza, calls for accountability for military actions, and urges readers to confront the human dimensions of conflicts in the region.

Orban Must Go

Diane Francis • 779 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Political Conflict International Law Democracy issues Geopolitics
  1. Hungary's leader, Viktor Orban, is blocking financial support for Ukraine, causing frustration among EU members. This has made talks about Ukraine joining the EU more complicated.
  2. Orban has been criticized for corrupt practices and controlling the media in Hungary. His actions might even lead to Hungary being suspended from the EU if he continues to break its rules.
  3. Ukraine's hopes for a European future depend heavily on financial support, which is now uncertain. Without this funding, winning the war and joining the EU could be impossible for Ukraine.

US troops are occupying Syria's oil fields. Congress refuses to withdraw them

Geopolitical Economy Report • 737 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Syria Congress International Law
  1. US military has been illegally occupying Syrian territory since 2014, blocking access to oil and wheat, despite international criticism.
  2. The US Senate voted 13-84 against withdrawing troops from Syria, rejecting a resolution to remove troops not authorized by Congress.
  3. US continues to occupy Syria's oil fields and Iraq, with troops stationed in the region and involvement in conflicts around these areas.

EI live special: Decision at the World Court

Palestine is Still the Issue • 511 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics International Law Human Rights
  1. Join the livestream to discuss the impending decision of the International Court of Justice regarding Israel and South Africa's case of genocide.
  2. Learn from guest Susan Akram, the director of Boston University Law's International Human Rights Clinic, about the implications of the court's decision.
  3. The broadcast will be available for viewing later if you miss the live stream.

Rwanda bill passed by MPs

A Lawyer Writes • 530 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Human Rights Legislation International Law Government Immigration
  1. A bill concerning the safety of Rwanda was passed in the UK by MPs, despite concerns about international law
  2. There were debates about human rights and Strasbourg court injunctions during the bill's passage
  3. The bill includes a provision allowing a UK minister to potentially break international law, creating a complex situation for civil servants

Houthi and the Blown Ships

Murtaza Hussain • 511 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Conflicts International Law Global Economy Middle East Humanitarian Crisis
  1. Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea have significantly impacted global economy and shipping insurance rates.
  2. U.S. faces a challenge in dealing with the Houthis due to their adaptability and the potential need for a regime change operation in Yemen.
  3. Focus should be on addressing conditions that fuel violence and moving conflicts to the political realm, rather than moralizing about 'Good Guys' and 'Bad Guys.'

Biden's Cluster Munitions Blunder

Eunomia • 884 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy Human Rights Military International Law Allies
  1. Cluster munitions are inherently indiscriminate and pose a threat to civilians long after a war ends.
  2. Providing cluster munitions to Ukraine may lead to more harm than good, as they can maim and kill civilians and soldiers.
  3. Exporting cluster munitions contradicts previous condemnations of their use, creating political problems and potential hypocrisy.

Is Israel Committing "Genocide" in Gaza?

Murtaza Hussain • 511 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Israel Gaza Genocide International Law
  1. The term 'genocide' has a specific legal definition involving the deliberate destruction of a group or part of it.
  2. In the case of Israeli actions in Gaza, public statements from officials raise questions about intent and motive for the severe suffering inflicted.
  3. An ICJ ruling of genocide against Israel could have significant international consequences, with implications for legal actions against Israeli officials and diplomatic relations.

Israel's Angst

Diane Francis • 759 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict International Law Human Rights Diplomacy
  1. Both Israelis and Palestinians face difficult lives under their governments. Many people in both groups are unhappy with their leaders, and they want a change to find a peaceful solution.
  2. The ongoing conflict is causing a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Many innocent civilians are suffering due to the violence and harsh conditions imposed by the war.
  3. There is a pressing need for a two-state solution and international cooperation to reduce tensions. Without action to promote peace, the cycles of violence will continue to harm both communities.

World roundup: January 26 2024

Foreign Exchanges • 393 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Israel-Palestine United Nations Genocide Humanitarian Aid International Law
  1. The United Nations' International Court of Justice issued a ruling in the genocide case brought by South Africa against Israel, requiring Israel to prevent genocidal acts in Gaza.
  2. The ruling also obliges Israeli leaders to prevent and punish incitement to genocidal acts, ensure delivery of basic services and humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza.
  3. Israeli government must comply with the court's rulings, prevent evidence destruction, and allow investigators access to Gaza, submitting a report within one month.

US legally owes Nicaragua reparations, but still refuses to honor 1986 Int'l Court of Justice ruling

Geopolitical Economy Report • 737 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics US Relations International Law United Nations Reparations
  1. The United States legally owes Nicaragua reparations per a 1986 International Court of Justice ruling, but has yet to honor it, leading to the Nicaraguan government demanding action from the UN.
  2. The US conducted a terror war against Nicaragua's Sandinista government by arming Contras and destabilizing the nation, showcasing a history of US interventions, attacks, and economic blockades on Nicaragua.
  3. Despite the US boycotting the ICJ case and Nicaragua discontinuing proceedings in 1991, Nicaragua still holds the right to demand reparations as per the court's ruling, emphasizing the legal obligation of the US to pay the debt.

The Next Sinister Stage of Ethnic Cleansing in Gaza

Pen>Sword • 579 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Ethnic Cleansing Genocide Humanitarian Aid Refugees International Law
  1. Israeli military violence in Gaza has led to a landscape conducive to ethnic cleansing. Genocide and ethnic cleansing, while related, have distinct focuses – people vs. land.
  2. The destruction of hospitals and medical infrastructure in Gaza is a central component of the ethnic cleansing program, forcing Palestinians to flee due to lack of healthcare.
  3. Israel's promotion of 'voluntary migration' of Palestinians from Gaza is deceptive and a direct consequence of genocidal violence, aiming to push Palestinians out of their land against their will.

West vs the rest: World opposes sanctions, only US & Europe support them

Geopolitical Economy Report • 677 implied HN points • 09 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Sanctions International Law Human Rights
  1. The UN Human Rights Council voted overwhelmingly to condemn sanctions, with only the US, UK, EU member states, Georgia, and Ukraine expressing support for unilateral coercive measures.
  2. Sanctions, violating international law, have a negative impact on human rights, especially affecting vulnerable populations like women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
  3. Global opposition against sanctions, with the majority of UN member states standing against unilateral coercive measures, demonstrates a clear West versus the rest divide in international relations.

Expel Russia from UN

Diane Francis • 1099 implied HN points • 01 May 23
🌍 World Politics International Law Geopolitics Global Governance Security Council Conflict resolution
  1. Russia should not be on the UN Security Council because it is acting like a dictator and has committed war crimes. This is similar to putting a criminal in charge of the police.
  2. The UN Security Council has not been able to do its job because of Russia's veto power. A country that causes problems shouldn't have the ability to stop solutions.
  3. Countries like Ukraine and India deserve a permanent seat on the Security Council because of their significant contributions to the world. The UN should be reformed to reflect current realities and not be held back by a single nation.

Bearing Witness to Gaza (audio dispatch 14)

The Joyous Struggle • 355 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Human Rights International Law Conflict Geopolitics
  1. When discussing complex issues like the situation in Israel and Gaza, it's important to move beyond simplistic notions of 'goodies and baddies' and approach conversations from a more mature and nuanced perspective.
  2. Understanding different perspectives and historical contexts is crucial in comprehending complex conflicts like the one in Israel and Gaza, and it can help in fostering empathy and effective communication.
  3. Engaging in continual learning, having epistemic humility, and staying politically engaged are essential for the health of open societies and for citizens to understand complex global issues like the situation in Gaza and The Hague.

Putin's Other Genocides

Diane Francis • 819 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Ethnic conflict Human Rights International Law Military Strategy
  1. Putin is using ethnic minorities in Russia to fight in Ukraine, putting them at greater risk of dying in battle. Many of these groups, like Tatars and Mongols, are being forced into the military without proper training.
  2. Russia's treatment of its ethnic minorities has led to growing resentment and activism among these groups. They are starting to organize against the government and some are even supporting Ukraine in the conflict.
  3. The war is revealing deep inequalities in Russia, with minorities facing discrimination and poverty. Activist groups from these regions are emerging to protest and help those targeted by the draft.