The idea of a rule-based international order has long been considered the foundation of modern global relations. After the devastation of the Second World War, nations agreed to create systems, treaties, and institutions designed to regulate behavior between states. These frameworks were meant to prevent conflicts, encourage cooperation, and ensure that even powerful countries followed established laws and norms. However, in recent years, many experts have begun questioning whether this system still holds real authority.
Noted Indian advocate Harish Salve has expressed serious concerns about the future of global governance. According to him, the world may be witnessing a gradual collapse of the rule-based order. He argues that powerful nations are increasingly willing to bypass international law when it conflicts with their strategic interests. In such a scenario, the global system risks shifting from one based on rules and institutions to one dominated by power and force.
Salve’s observations highlight a broader debate among policymakers, legal scholars, and geopolitical analysts. As conflicts intensify in different parts of the world and international institutions struggle to enforce rules effectively, questions are being raised about whether international law still has the same influence it once did.
Understanding the Rule-Based International Order
The rule-based international order refers to a system in which global relations are governed by laws, treaties, and institutions rather than raw power. After the Second World War, countries collectively built organizations and legal frameworks aimed at maintaining peace and stability.
This order relies on several key principles. Nations are expected to respect international law, honor treaties, resolve disputes through diplomacy, and avoid unilateral actions that could destabilize global security. Institutions created during the mid-twentieth century were designed to enforce these principles and promote cooperation among nations.
The rule-based system also seeks to ensure fairness. Smaller or less powerful countries are supposed to receive protection through international law, preventing stronger states from imposing their will without accountability. In theory, this structure promotes stability, predictability, and mutual respect between countries.
However, maintaining such a system requires consistent commitment from major global powers. If influential countries begin ignoring rules or selectively applying them, the credibility of the entire system can weaken.
Harish Salve’s Warning About a Changing Global Order
Harish Salve has suggested that the current global environment reflects a gradual erosion of respect for international rules. According to his view, powerful nations are increasingly acting based on strategic interests rather than legal frameworks.
He argues that international law has historically relied on the willingness of states to comply voluntarily. Unlike domestic legal systems, global institutions often lack the authority to enforce rules effectively. When influential countries decide to ignore international norms, there are limited mechanisms to compel compliance.
Salve’s warning highlights a growing concern among observers of global politics. If powerful states begin prioritizing military or economic power over legal commitments, the system could shift toward what he describes as a force-based world order.
In such a system, the ability to influence outcomes would depend more on strength and alliances than on established international laws.
The Rise of Power Politics in Global Affairs
One of the key concerns raised by Salve is the increasing influence of power politics in international relations. In recent years, geopolitical tensions between major nations have intensified, leading to conflicts, sanctions, and strategic competition.
Power politics occurs when countries prioritize their national interests and strategic goals above collective international rules. Decisions are often driven by military strength, economic leverage, and geopolitical alliances rather than global legal standards.
This approach can weaken international agreements. If powerful nations ignore treaties or selectively follow rules, smaller countries may lose confidence in the fairness of the system. As a result, global cooperation may become more difficult.
Salve’s argument suggests that the shift toward power politics may gradually reshape how countries interact, potentially undermining decades of legal and diplomatic progress.
Challenges Facing International Law
International law has always faced unique challenges because it operates differently from domestic legal systems. Unlike national governments, global institutions do not have a central authority capable of enforcing laws universally.
Compliance with international law often depends on mutual agreement and diplomatic pressure rather than direct enforcement. When countries violate international norms, consequences may include sanctions, diplomatic isolation, or reputational damage, but these measures are not always sufficient.
Another challenge lies in the changing nature of global conflicts. Modern geopolitical disputes involve complex issues such as cyber warfare, economic competition, technological dominance, and resource control. Many existing legal frameworks were developed decades ago and may not fully address these emerging challenges.
These limitations can weaken the effectiveness of international legal institutions, especially when major powers choose to act independently of established rules.
The Impact on Global Stability
If the world gradually shifts toward a force-based order, the implications for global stability could be significant. A system dominated by power rather than rules may increase the risk of conflicts and reduce opportunities for peaceful resolution of disputes.
Under a rule-based system, countries rely on diplomacy, arbitration, and legal frameworks to resolve disagreements. These mechanisms help prevent tensions from escalating into larger confrontations.
However, in a force-based system, nations may rely more heavily on military strength or strategic alliances to protect their interests. This approach could create an environment where competition intensifies and trust between nations declines.
Salve’s warning suggests that maintaining global stability requires renewed commitment to international law and cooperation.
The Role of International Institutions
International institutions were created to support the rule-based order and provide platforms for negotiation, dialogue, and dispute resolution. These organizations play an important role in maintaining global governance.
Their effectiveness depends largely on the participation and cooperation of member states. When countries respect institutional processes and adhere to agreements, these organizations can help mediate disputes and promote collective solutions.
However, when influential nations bypass institutional frameworks or question their authority, the credibility of these institutions can decline. Restoring trust in global governance requires reforms that strengthen the legitimacy and effectiveness of international organizations.
Salve’s observations highlight the importance of ensuring that these institutions remain relevant and capable of addressing modern geopolitical challenges.
Can the Rule-Based Order Be Preserved?
Despite the concerns raised by experts like Harish Salve, many analysts believe that the rule-based order still holds significant value. International law continues to guide trade agreements, diplomatic relations, and global cooperation on issues such as climate change and public health.
Preserving this system may require stronger commitments from major powers to uphold legal norms and support institutional frameworks. It may also involve updating existing treaties and laws to reflect the realities of modern geopolitics.
Countries may need to find new ways to strengthen accountability and ensure that international rules apply consistently to all nations, regardless of their power or influence.
Conclusion
Harish Salve’s warning about the possible collapse of the rule-based international order highlights an important debate about the future of global governance. The system created after the Second World War was designed to prevent conflicts and promote cooperation through shared legal frameworks.
However, growing geopolitical tensions and the increasing influence of power politics have raised concerns about whether these rules still hold the same authority. If major nations begin prioritizing force over law, the global order could gradually shift toward a system where power determines outcomes.
The challenge for the international community is to strengthen the institutions and legal frameworks that support global stability. By reaffirming commitment to international law and cooperative diplomacy, nations can work to ensure that the principles of fairness, accountability, and peaceful conflict resolution remain central to the global system.