The Fracturing of International Law and Order: Strategic Responses in an Era of Zombie International Agencies
Janek Ratnatunga
What the paper says
This article examines the profound disruption in the global rules-based order following a series of aggressive actions by the United States, which have rendered international agencies powerless, or "Zombie Agencies." The metaphor highlights the erosion of global governance institutions amidst unilateral actions, notably by the U.S. under President Trump, who has abandoned international norms in favour of a "might is right" approach. Key events, including the imposition of tariffs, military strikes on foreign nations, and the withdrawal from numerous international organisations, exemplify this shift. These actions have not only destabilised the existing order but have also emboldened other major powers, particularly China, to assert their influence. As traditional alliances waver, the article suggests a future characterised by competing spheres of influence, where national interests eclipse collective governance. The piece raises critical questions about the international community's ability to adapt and respond to these changes, emphasising the precarious state of multilateral cooperation in a world increasingly governed by unilateral power politics.
Evidence weight
Balanced mode · F 0.40 / M 0.15 / V 0.05 / R 0.40
| F · citation impact | 0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20 |
| M · momentum | 0.50 × 0.15 = 0.07 |
| V · venue signal | 0.50 × 0.05 = 0.03 |
| R · text relevance † | 0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20 |
† Text relevance is estimated at 0.50 on the detail page — for your query’s actual relevance score, open this paper from a search result.