Putin is Destroying the World Order

Putin and Territorial Integrity

Putin has violated the international law concerning national sovereignty many times. The current world order is, of course, based on national states. Article 2(4) of the UN Charter prohibits any use of force against the “territorial integrity” of states.[1] Under Putin, Russia has a long history of disregarding national borders. However, few, if any legal scholars recognise “secession” as a right.[2]

For example, Russia recognised two regions of Georgia as independent states in 2008. It also retains close ties with Artsakh and Transnistria. Similarly, Russia recognised the independence of Crimea in 2014. Later, the region became an official part of Russia. Finally, Russia recognised two small states in eastern Ukraine in 2022. Every one of these instances poses a threat to the global order.[3]

Russia also continues to interfere in the politics of other countries. This is also a crime under international law.[4] For example, Russia hacked the DNC server to help Donald Trump win the American elections in 2016.[5] Finally, Putin openly attacked our nation of Ukraine in 2022 for no reason.

Human Rights

Russia’s national constitution accepts the international law as a central part of its legal system. In fact, the 1993 constitution intentionally moved away from the Soviet model to ensure this.[6] Russia’s national constitution accepts the international law as a central part of its legal system. In fact, the 1993 constitution intentionally moved away from the Soviet model to ensure this. Russia is also a member of the “European Convention on Human Rights”.[7] But in 2015, Putin passed a law to bypass its requirements. It is not hard to see why.

In fact, Russia has a long history of targeting civilians in war. One good example is that of the French journalist Brice Fleutiaux. He was captured in Chechnya in 1999 and tortured. Putin later released him with a warning, but he died of depression and stress in 2001.[8]

In fact, Putin is so experienced in cruelty that he has helped other dictators to oppress their people too. In 2020, he helped Belarus’ Lukashenko to put down peaceful protests.[9] The same happened again in Kazakhstan this year.[10] Russia is also arresting thousands of people who demonstrated against the invasion of Ukraine.[11] All of this is a clear violation of international human rights.