News from EuroISME

Details: Published: 25 February 2022

A commentary by Ted van Baarda and Patrick Mileham – 25 February 2022

Following Russia’s attack of 24^th February 2022 on Ukraine one can, with a sense of desperation, turn to the Charter of the United Nations. Drafted in 1945, in the wake of the Second World War, some key phrases read:

“We the people of the United Nations determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind,(…) For these ends: to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours.(…)

All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state (…).”

One still senses the reminiscences of the Second World War in these words. Yet, one can but wonder today whether these words have become dead letter platitudes or whether they can be revived.