In a discussion on Dutch news radio station BNR, I stressed the moral force of decisions in international law – and of The Hague.
‘International law has effects on different levels: legal, political, moral.’ Besides the direct legal consequences, decisions of and cases before international courts can have an impact on other countries and similar situations. International law, therefore, has practical and symbolical effects.
For many countries international law is also a means to increase their influence and power. The distinction in international relations between realism and idealism is therefore somewhat outdated, I explain in the interview.
In the BNR podcast De Strateeg, I discuss with host Paul van Liempt and Gerben Bakker, strategic analyst at the The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies.
Listen to the full BNR podcst De Strateeg on international law.