As 2026 unfolds, it is clear that the post-Cold War normative framework has lost much of its restraining power. Second, territorial sovereignty is not a privilege conferred by the international community but a political treasure that must be constantly nurtured and secured against internal divisions and external threats. By overturning this balance, Israel has acknowledged what many powers already practice: When material interests collide with political norms, the latter are readily sacrificed. New Delhi is a staunch advocate of territorial sovereignty in Asia but is reluctant to criticise Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 or its invasion of eastern Ukraine in 2022. The second is credible deterrence: Norms cannot safeguard sovereignty unless backed by military capacity and the political will to impose costs on violators.

Source: Indian Express January 02, 2026 06:38 UTC