The Decibel International law in the Trump era
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Jan 16, 2026 Michael Byers, Canada Research Chair in Global Politics and International Law at the University of British Columbia, dissects how the Trump administration challenges international law. He explains what constitutes international law, why it matters, and its binding nature through treaties. Byers discusses the enforcement of rules against powerful nations, the role of the International Court of Justice, and the International Criminal Court's purpose. He also addresses Canada’s strategic response to U.S. overreach and the future of NATO amidst realignments.
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International Law Is Mostly Invisible Infrastructure
- International law is a complex system of rules made by states to govern themselves and enable stability and trade.
- Most of it works invisibly, like treaties enabling coffee imports and passport travel.
UN Charter Frames Use-Of-Force Limits
- The UN Charter established the core post-WWII rule prohibiting use of force against another state's territorial integrity.
- That rule underpins prohibitions like invading Venezuela or abducting its leader.
Customary Law Binds Through Practice
- International law arises from treaties and customary international law formed by consistent state practice plus legal belief.
- Customary rules become binding through behavior and acquiescence, not always written consent.