Skip to main content

LUP Student Papers

LUND UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

A shame on our shared humanity: A qualitative comparative case study of selective application of international law by Western states

Lenz, Jacob LU (2025) STVM25 20251
Department of Political Science
Abstract
In this study, I will analyse and compare the political justifying factors that drive the selective application of international law in Western states. By delving into the national interests of states and the rationale of the ‘Rules-based International order’ this study can analyse the different political positions and tools that enables US, UK, French and German selectivity. Through a qualitative comparison and Marxist thought of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine case conflicts, it shows the different factors that have been used to upkeep impunity, imperialism and national interest before any accountability. The ‘Rules-based order’ acts as an illusion of accountability and helps undermine international organisations and... (More)
In this study, I will analyse and compare the political justifying factors that drive the selective application of international law in Western states. By delving into the national interests of states and the rationale of the ‘Rules-based International order’ this study can analyse the different political positions and tools that enables US, UK, French and German selectivity. Through a qualitative comparison and Marxist thought of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine case conflicts, it shows the different factors that have been used to upkeep impunity, imperialism and national interest before any accountability. The ‘Rules-based order’ acts as an illusion of accountability and helps undermine international organisations and institutions. The political will of Western states is to prioritise their own national interests over accountability and to maintain this impunity for them and their allies. Via actions and inactions they want to hamper international obligations and peremptory norms. The study argues that Western selectivity is a product of the ‘Rules-based order’ to preclude accountability to favour their imperial and national interest. Therefore the problem of compliance and adherence is due to the geopolitical aims of certain states. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Lenz, Jacob LU
supervisor
organization
course
STVM25 20251
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Selective application of international law, Impunity, Israel-Palestine, Russia-Ukraine, Rules-based international order
language
English
id
9189828
date added to LUP
2025-08-08 11:32:28
date last changed
2025-08-08 11:32:28
@misc{9189828,
  abstract     = {{In this study, I will analyse and compare the political justifying factors that drive the selective application of international law in Western states. By delving into the national interests of states and the rationale of the ‘Rules-based International order’ this study can analyse the different political positions and tools that enables US, UK, French and German selectivity. Through a qualitative comparison and Marxist thought of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine case conflicts, it shows the different factors that have been used to upkeep impunity, imperialism and national interest before any accountability. The ‘Rules-based order’ acts as an illusion of accountability and helps undermine international organisations and institutions. The political will of Western states is to prioritise their own national interests over accountability and to maintain this impunity for them and their allies. Via actions and inactions they want to hamper international obligations and peremptory norms. The study argues that Western selectivity is a product of the ‘Rules-based order’ to preclude accountability to favour their imperial and national interest. Therefore the problem of compliance and adherence is due to the geopolitical aims of certain states.}},
  author       = {{Lenz, Jacob}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{A shame on our shared humanity: A qualitative comparative case study of selective application of international law by Western states}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}