In this episode of Secure Line, Jessica Davis, Stephanie Carvin, and Leah West are joined by leading Canadian national security law expert Craig Forcese to unpack a timely and complex question: is international law breaking down—or simply evolving under pressure?

The conversation begins with the concept of “rupture” in the global order, sparked by recent political rhetoric and shifting geopolitical dynamics. Drawing on history, Forcese argues that disruption is not new to international law; rather, it has always adapted alongside great power competition. The discussion explores whether today’s challenges—particularly U.S. behavior, Russian aggression, and conflict involving Iran—represent a true break from the rules-based system or a continuation of long-standing tensions.

The episode dives deep into the legal frameworks governing the use of force, including self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter, and examines how states justify (or fail to justify) military action. A key theme is the importance of legal discourse: even when states act unlawfully, they typically invoke international law to legitimize their behavior—raising concerns when they stop doing so.

The hosts also explore the weakening role of the United Nations Security Council, the rise of “grey zone” tactics that operate below the threshold of war, and the growing complexity of attributing state responsibility—particularly in conflicts involving proxies like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis.

Despite these pressures, the episode offers a cautiously optimistic view. International law, while imperfect and often contested, still shapes state behavior, constrains escalation, and underpins global alliances. For middle powers like Canada, the challenge is not to abandon the system, but to reinforce it—maintaining the “grit” that slows the slide toward conflict.

Ultimately, the episode asks: if international law isn’t dead, what role should it play in an increasingly unstable world?