The Zombie World of International Law and OrderOpinionProf Janek RatnatungaAI generated photographIn a dramatic turn of events that could only be missed by those truly living under a rock, the eruption of a metaphorical "Supernova" in early January 2026 has signified the collapse of the world law and economic order as we know it. This seismic shift, originating from a series of aggressive unilateral actions by the United States, has sent shockwaves through the international agencies tasked with enforcing rules-based law and order. Yet, this was merely the opening salvo in a series of events that would further destabilize the global order. The operation, lacking UN Security Council authorization, self-defence justification, or consent from Venezuela, highlighted the erosion of the rules-based international order. A Fractured Global Order: The Fallout of U.S. UnilateralismThe U.S.'s recent actions have accelerated the decline of the international rules-based order, effectively transforming global governance institutions into powerless entities—Zombie Agencies.

Source: Sunday Times January 12, 2026 04:21 UTC