Professor Robert Patman urges New Zealand to candidly address the blatant violation of international law by the United States and Israel. In an interview with the Otago Daily Times for the Global Insight programme, the University of Otago expert in international relations emphasizes the importance of upholding values, even in the face of the Iranian regime’s actions.
According to Prof Patman, there is a broad consensus among legal scholars worldwide that the US-Israel assault on Iran constitutes a clear breach of Article 51, which permits the use of force only in self-defense or preemptive defensive measures.
He warns that New Zealand’s subdued response to the situation could be perceived as tacit acceptance of the notion that international relations are governed by the principle of might makes right.
“In the midst of significant loss of life, New Zealand must demonstrate moral and legal clarity as a nation that relies on an international rules-based system,” Prof Patman asserts.
During the discussion on Global Insight, Prof Patman also delves into the prospects of the assault fostering democracy in Iran and the potential escalation of the conflict into a broader war.
