International Law vs. War

New Ideal, from the Ayn Rand Institute

In this episode of New Ideal Live, Onkar Ghate and Ziemowit Gowin discuss international laws of war. Challenging the very legitimacy of such laws, they emphasize how “humanitarian” laws of war hamper a free country's self-defense, make them vulnerable to belligerent regimes, and make war more palatable rather than less. Among the topics covered: How international laws of war undercut a nation's right to self-defense and whitewash dictatorships; Why war is legitimate both in response to an attack and to preempt an attack; Why “humanitarian” laws of war sanitize war, making it more palatable, not less; How the principle of proportionality cripples a nation’s self-defense; Why civilians are implicated in war and not to be isolated; Why a nation should follow principles that serve their legitimate military objectives; The crucial importance of civilian control over a free nation’s army; Why international laws as such are unenforceable. The podcast was recorded on November 14, 2023. Listen to the discussion below. Listen and subscribe from your mobile device on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher. Watch archived podcasts here. https://youtu.be/N-oNOjWOkDs Podcast audio: