The Rule of Law in Retreat: Challenges to Justice in the United Nations World

The Rule of Law has become contentious, leading to international crisis. This book explores its implications for human rights, constitutional law, and philosophy of law, discussing independence of judiciary, liberal education, freedom of mass media, populism, and corruption. It also suggests methods of civic participation to create larger opportunities for freedom in a UN world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 402 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

The Rule of Law has faced significant challenges in the past decade, leading to contentious debates about its concept, implementation, and global impact. This resistance has the potential to reshape the global power balance, leading to international crises. This book aims to provide insights into the Rule of Law's implications for human rights, constitutional law, and philosophy of law in the face of these challenges. The contributors analyze various aspects related to the Rule of Law, including the independence of the judiciary, liberal education, freedom of the media, populism, and corruption. They also discuss global civic education, enhanced social inclusion, violence prevention, restorative justice, and other methods of civic participation that can promote freedom in a United Nations (UN) world and address the growing ideological divide between the global North and South.

The Rule of Law has played a crucial role in shaping the world's legal and political landscape. However, recent developments have raised concerns about its sustainability and effectiveness. One of the main challenges facing the Rule of Law is the rise of authoritarianism and the decline of democratic institutions. Authoritarian regimes often undermine the independence of the judiciary, suppress freedom of expression, and limit the rights of citizens. This can lead to a lack of accountability, corruption, and human rights abuses.

Another challenge is the spread of populism and nationalism, which can undermine the Rule of Law by promoting a narrow interpretation of the law and prioritizing the interests of a particular group or nation over the broader public good. Populist leaders often use the law as a tool to consolidate power and suppress opposition, leading to a decline in democratic norms and the rule of law.

Furthermore, the global nature of today's society has made it increasingly difficult to uphold the Rule of Law. Cross-border crimes, such as terrorism, cybercrime, and human trafficking, require international cooperation and collaboration. However, national sovereignty and political interests can sometimes hinder these efforts, leading to a lack of effective law enforcement and the erosion of the Rule of Law.

To address these challenges, there is a need for concerted efforts to promote the Rule of Law. This includes strengthening the independence of the judiciary, promoting democratic governance, and addressing the root causes of authoritarianism and populism. It also involves promoting international cooperation and collaboration to address cross-border crimes and promote human rights.

In conclusion, the Rule of Law has faced significant challenges in the past decade, but it remains an essential component of a just and peaceful society. By promoting the Rule of Law, we can create a world where human rights are respected, democracy is upheld, and the rights of all citizens are protected.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666911565