International Judicial Monitor
Published by the International judicial Academy of the International Law Institute, Washington, D.C.
with circulation assistance from the American Society of International Law
Fall 2017 Issue

EDITORIAL

 

The OAS/ABA Cooperation Agreement – Important for the Future of International Law Around the World

Dr. James G. Apple

By: James G. Apple, Editor-in-Chief, International Judicial Monitor

There is an announcement in another part of this issue of the International Judicial Monitor relating to a recent development of large significance for the future of international law. That announcement relates to the signing, in the fall of this year of a cooperation agreement between the Organization of American States and the American Bar Association. The purpose of the agreement is to promote international law among the nations of the Western Hemisphere as a means to peace, justice, stability and liberty.

It is probably an understatement that this announcement probably was not appreciated by a segment of society in the United States, especially those who follow the current ruling political party. International law and its institutions have been for many years the object of derision by many of the leaders of this part of U.S. society. In fact, it seems to be the objective of this group to not only rid the United States legal and political system of any influence of international law but to cause its demise in the world’s political system.

 

Despite this antagonism to international law general, and many of its principles specifically, the OAS/ABA development is a hopeful sign. It signifies the citizens in the private sector are willing to ignore the antagonisms of those in the ruling political party against international law and to promote international law by other means and in other forums, so that its value and usefulness can assist in creating a world of peace and stability. The quick growth of alternate right (alt-right) white supremacist and neo Nazi movements not only in the U.S. but in other places in the world, all of whom are antagonistic to the ideas and principles of international law, requires prompt attention. Hopefully there will in the near future be other cooperation agreements between the ABA and similar orgaizations and national and regional organizations in other parts of the world, such as Europe, Africa, the Far East, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.

The OAS/ABA agreement is a promising beginning. The world needs these cooperation agreements to promote international law not only in the Western Hemisphere but in other places – let them be created, be fruitful and multiply.

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© 2017 – The International Judicial Academy
with assistance from the American Society of International Law.

Editor: James G. Apple.
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Please contact the IJM editor at ijaworld@verizon.net.