Plenary Session. Law in a Multipolar Word

A multipolar system of international relations is taking shape in the world

“A multipolar system of international relations is indeed taking shape, and this process is irreversible. We see it happening right before our eyes, and the position of Russia and many other countries is that this new democratic and equitable world order should be based on mutual respect and trust,” Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation.

“Tectonic shifts caused by global changes in zones of influence, the rapid social and economic development of several regions of the planet, and the disruption of the global balance of power have led to the creation of a new multipolar world order,” Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation.

“We are undoubtedly witnessing the emergence of new centres of gravity in the world and the development of a multipolar world. This is highly significant, as within this multipolar framework we will be able to coexist and work together in a variety of ways economically and militarily,” Maja Popovic, Minister of Justice of the Republic of Serbia.

International law is not in crisis

“Today, it is said that the law can no longer react adequately to the problems and challenges of modern times, to the rapid and fundamental changes we are experiencing. Some people even believe that the very notion of international law should be abolished, but I fundamentally disagree with this radical view. There is no doubt that the international legal system needs to evolve. But we must not confuse cause and effect, as they say. Crises are not born out of alleged flaws in the legal system,” Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation.

“Today many people not only say that international law is embroiled in a crisis, but also that we need to reform the key supranational institutions that maintain the global world order. This could even involve replacing the United Nations with a new institution – <...> it is a human construct, after all,” Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation.

Countries have the right of self-defence

“A separate case of the lawful use of force can be armed struggles waged by national liberation movements representing [their – Ed.] nations and peoples who seek autonomy, and create an independent state. <...> This means that an entity that is striving to become a state can already exercise the right to self-defence. And who can deny that there are parallels with what has been happening over the last eight years in Donbass?” Bakhtiyar Tuzmukhamedov, Vice-President of the Russian Association of International Law, Member of the Committee Against Torture.

“Russia has exercised its inalienable right to self-defence, and the Secretary General and UN Security Council were informed of that. All decisions on our part have been taken. The purpose of the special military operation was to protect people,” Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation.

PROBLEMS

The West's rejection of a multipolar world

“Some countries are not ready to accept the loss of dominance on the global stage. They seek to maintain an unjust unipolar model under the guise of the so-called rules-based order and other dubious concepts. They are trying to maintain full control over global processes. They are focused on the creation of closed blocs and coalitions, which make decisions that benefit only one country – the United States of America,” Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation.

“Political processes have penetrated deeply into the realm of law, the realm of jurisprudence, introducing double standards of interpretation of the basic legal concepts, including peremptory norms of general international law, the so-called jus cogens [peremptory norms – Ed.]," Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation.

“Instead of trying to respond collectively to the fundamental challenges faced by all mankind, we are now, on the contrary, trying to introduce principles that only some countries deem immutable. And these countries seem to think that they are maintaining the status quo. It is important that we develop organically in a manner that is underpinned by the economy and the law. <...> This would be a marked change from the domination of the West and the European Union,” Kumar Prashant, President of the Bar Association of India.

SOLUTIONS

The UN norms and Charter must be preserved

“Today more than ever, we need to preserve the unique UN architecture, and respect each other’s national interests and unique conditions. Only through a sincere desire for cooperation, solidarity of approaches will contribute to the achievement of the goals envisaged in the UN Charter,” Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation.

“We need to take a common sense approach to these issues, and not reinvent the wheel when it comes to established norms. That is why we say that these processes are not just about legal norms; they are also about geopolitics, about the recognition of member states, and the understanding that countries are operating in accordance with the principles and norms of the UN Charter. <...> Collectively, this should be our focus; to advance the goals and objectives of the UN Charter, rather than seeking to change the structure of the UN or UN charter per se,” Kumar Prashant, President of the Indian Bar Association.

Countries should work together to make international law work

“All countries should come together to make international law work the way it is supposed to. And we must do this together. This way we can fight back against the anarchy that is now starting to spread everywhere. We have no choice but to unite,” Maja Popovic, Minister of Justice of the Republic of Serbia.

"We believe <...> that what each country can do for its people is of great importance. <...> These economic impulses are often ignored, instead attention is given to external, ambiguous impulses and motives. That is why organisations like BRICS and the emerging economies must come together to create a stable system,” Kumar Prashant, President of the Bar Association of India.

Read more in the Roscongress Information and Analytical System roscongress.org

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