Cynicism about the value of international law is understandable, given its failure to change state behavior. But it is a mistake to look at recent developments and conclude that the rules that underpin the rules-based order do not matter. Understanding why requires thinking more carefully about the purpose of international law.
The Gulf Cooperation Council states are on a transformative journey, tapping into new sectors to diversify their traditionally hydrocarbon-dependent economies. Now, a regional space race is emerging, driven by domestic economic ambitions and commercial interests, but also the desire to enhance global prestige and soft power.
Around the world, militaries have begun to embrace AI as the latest technological silver bullet. This trend, and its pitfalls, has been on prominent display in Gaza, where the Israeli military’s use of AI-driven models for targeting decisions has had a devastating impact on civilians in exchange for limited strategic results.
