The duality of international humanitarian law Its societal effects – an analytical reading of contemporary wars

Abstract

This study examines the duality in the application of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in contemporary armed conflicts through a comparative analytical approach grounded in critical sociological theory. It is based on the premise that the enforcement of international law is not governed by neutral humanitarian standards, but rather shaped by power dynamics and geopolitical interests.

The research analyzes selected contemporary cases, including Iraq, Syria, Palestine, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Iran, to identify patterns of selective application and their societal consequences.The findings indicate that double standards constitute a structural threat to the legitimacy of the international legal order, undermining trust in international institutions while contributing to violence and social fragmentation. The study recommends reforming enforcement mechanisms, strengthening institutional independence, and ensuring the non-selective application of IHL principles.