Challenges and Emerging Issues to The Legitimacy of International Law: A Case Study of Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
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Date
2026
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Abstract
This study appraised the legitimacy of international law focussing on its challenges and emerging issues. The aim of this study was predicated on the general and specific objectives which included, examining how it has brought about global peace, examining the legal and international framework, identifying challenges and emerging issues to the legitimacy of international law, focusing on armed conflicts in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. This study adopted a purely doctrinal research methodology, utilizing literature review, analysing legal frameworks, and international norms related to international law. The methodology consisted of collection of data from both primary and secondary sources. This study found that
different aspects citing formal principles of legitimacy; the respect of state sovereignty, and substantive principles that require international law to produce outcomes respecting fundamental rights and reasonableness have affected the legitimacy of international law. This study revealed that lack of enforcement, influence of powerful states, growing influences of non-state actors, and soft law mechanisms have caused the dragging of the effectiveness of international law. This study recommended that there should be an effort on strengthening institutional frameworks to reinforce the perception of legitimacy. It recommended an increase on equality, transparency, and accountability to address power imbalances for a more just and equitable global order; addressing challenges and emerging issues to enhance the efficacity of international law, promoting inclusivity and representation, and encouraging compliance to illustrate the significance and effectiveness of international law. This study concluded by stating that the legitimacy of international law remains a pivotal yet contested issue in global governance.