The accelerating erosion of international law and the norms surrounding genocide are converging in a manner that threatens to redefine the global order, according to analysis emerging from recent international discussions and scholarly work. The ongoing conflict in Gaza, and the role of the United States under the Trump administration, is being cited as a pivotal moment, exposing a willingness among powerful nations to disregard established legal frameworks and moral boundaries.
The situation in Gaza, described by some as a genocide, has become a focal point in this debate. , a UN Commission of Inquiry, then chaired by former UN human rights chief Navi Pillay, declared that Israel had committed genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, a claim strongly denied by Israel. This declaration, alongside similar assessments from genocide scholars and human rights organizations, has sparked a contentious debate about the application of the term and its implications for international accountability.
The complicity of Western powers, particularly the United States, in the events unfolding in Gaza is a central theme. The Trump administration’s approach has been particularly noted, with the US reportedly sanctioning the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its judges, effectively rejecting international legal oversight. This stance, according to analysis, is not isolated but part of a broader pattern of disregard for international institutions and agreements, previously demonstrated by actions towards Iran, Venezuela, and even a threat to Greenland.
However, the focus on the US-transatlantic alliance as the primary dimension of international change is seen by some as a distraction. Critics argue that many leaders seeking an alternative to the Trump administration are themselves complicit in the events in Gaza, highlighting a systemic failure of the international community to uphold its responsibilities. This has led to a sense that the idea of a “liberal order” salvaged from the Trumpian onslaught is increasingly untenable.
The historical weight of the Holocaust, traditionally a cornerstone of Western international morality, is being re-examined in light of the Gaza crisis. The argument is being made that the invocation of Holocaust remembrance has been cynically used to justify support for Israel’s actions, even as those actions are accused of constituting genocide. This has led to a devaluation of both Holocaust consciousness and the understanding of contemporary antisemitism, according to some scholars.
The situation in Gaza is not occurring in isolation. Reports indicate ongoing genocidal violence in Myanmar against the Rohingya, Azerbaijan against Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh, Ethiopia during the Tigray war, and Sudan in . Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with its intent to destroy Ukrainian society and culture, is also cited as a precursor to the shift in global norms represented by the events in Gaza. The normalization of genocidal thinking at the highest levels of world politics, with leaders in the US, China, and India exhibiting eliminationist attitudes towards certain populations, is a deeply concerning trend.
The debate surrounding the definition of genocide itself is being reignited. While the legal definition, established by the Genocide Convention, has limitations – notably the exclusion of “political groups” and the emphasis on physical destruction over social and cultural destruction – the concept remains a crucial framework for understanding and responding to mass atrocities. The ICJ’s rulings in cases involving Bosnia and Rwanda have highlighted the complexities of applying the legal definition, particularly regarding the requirement of “intent.”
The case of Palestine, in particular, is forcing a re-evaluation of the historical context of genocide. The events of (the Nakba), the ongoing dispossession of Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and the blockade of Gaza are increasingly being viewed through a genocidal lens. The current destruction in Gaza is seen not as an isolated incident, but as a culmination of a longer history of systematic violence and oppression.
The establishment of the international Board of Peace plan for Gaza by President Trump on , as welcomed by the UN Security Council through Resolution 2803, is viewed with skepticism. Concerns are raised that this plan, rather than ending the violence, will consolidate Israeli control and lead to further displacement of Palestinians. The potential for a “riviera” style corporate takeover of Gaza, as envisioned by some, is seen as a continuation of the genocidal project.
The UN Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory continues its work, seeking justice and accountability for all parties involved. However, the broader implications of the situation extend beyond legal proceedings. The events in Gaza have tarnished the reputation of the Western system of power and are contributing to a shift in the global balance of power, with China increasingly asserting its influence. The long-term consequences of this shift remain to be seen, but the current crisis represents a critical juncture in international relations.
