International Law, Global Peace and Security: A Study of the Russo-Ukrainian War

Abstract

The study investigated international law, global peace and security with emphasis on the Russo-Ukraine war, 2014 to date. Despite the existence of a well-established body of international law that prohibits the use of force, guarantees State sovereignty, and upholds territorial integrity, the outbreak and persistence of the Russia–Ukraine war highlight critical gaps in the enforcement of these international norms. The objectives of the study were to investigate the humanitarian consequences of the war and how international humanitarian law has been applied or neglected in the Russia-Ukraine war; examine the Russia-Ukraine war and the violations of international law; and proffer appropriate measures on how to bring to an end. The theoretical framework adopted for the study was the Power Politics Theory propounded by Niccolo Machiavelli in 1527. The study relied on secondary sources of data. Data were sourced from official documents and treaties such as the United Nations Charter, Geneva Conventions, rulings of the International Court of Justice, and relevant resolutions of the UN General Assembly and Security Council, among others. This was supported with information from textbooks, journal articles, and conference papers, among others. The study also found that the invasion of Ukraine by Russia violates international law, especially that which prohibits States from the use of force in the acquisition of another State's territory. The study concluded that the universal political consequences of the war in Ukraine are unforeseeable. Whatever the outcome of this war may bring regarding international relations or the world economy, it has entailed basic changes in the security policy of NATO and the Euro-Atlantic Region, the consequences of which we cannot yet predict. This much is certain: the world order resting on the cooperation of the Great Powers, established following World War Two, has been severely damaged, and we can only guess if it can be restored, or if the damage caused is irreparable. The study therefore recommended, amongst others, that the UN should encourage States to recommit to the UN Charter principles on sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peaceful coexistence.