The international legal order is facing a systemic crisis, according to leading expert Andreas Zimmermann of Potsdam University. In an interview with the Mediengruppe Bayern, Zimmermann voiced deep concern over a growing disregard for international law, particularly highlighting the United States’ apparent abandonment of attempts to justify its actions within that framework.
Zimmermann’s critique directly addresses the recent U.S. military intervention in Venezuela and the justifications offered by U.S. representatives during the ensuing debate in the UN Security Council. He argues that the U.S.’s increasing unwillingness to engage with the established legal norms represents a significant threat to the stability and credibility of the global rules-based system.
The comments follow a cautious statement by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who on X, previously Twitter, described the legal assessment of the U.S. actions in Venezuela as “complex” while asserting that international law should remain the guiding principle. Zimmermann sharply rebuked this observation, arguing that the complexities suggested by Merz are misleading. “International law is sufficiently precise” he stated, challenging the notion that the legality of the U.S. intervention constitutes a particularly difficult or ambiguous matter demanding prolonged consideration.
Zimmermann drew a clear parallel to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, emphasizing that the violation of international law in that instance is equally straightforward and demands unequivocal condemnation. He insists that while nuanced interpretations and detailed debates invariably arise regarding specific aspects of international law, those complexities should not be used to obfuscate the overall clarity and fundamental principles governing state behavior.
Zimmermann’s warning underscores a broader debate surrounding the erosion of international institutions and the selective application of legal norms by powerful nations, prompting questions about the future of multilateralism and the continued relevance of the rules-based international order. The expert’s analysis invites scrutiny of the political responsibilities of nations, particularly those with significant global influence, to uphold and respect established international law, rather than selectively invoking it for political expediency.