The Lawfare Podcast Lawfare Daily: Oona Hathaway on the Collapse of Norms Against the Use of Force
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Aug 6, 2025 
In this engaging conversation, Oona Hathaway, a Yale Law Professor and the President-elect of the American Society of International Law, discusses the alarming erosion of norms against military force in today's world. She highlights how recent U.S. policies and actions, especially regarding Iran, challenge established international law. Hathaway stresses the dangers of this trend, particularly concerning the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, and emphasizes the need for diplomacy and adherence to international norms to ensure global stability.
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U.S. Role Key in Norms' Health
- The U.S. is not just withdrawing from enforcing order but has shown willingness to violate norms.
- This shifts international expectations and undermines the prohibition on the use of force as a norm.
Rhetorical Threats Undermine Norms
- Even rhetorical threats of force by a powerful state seriously threaten international stability and erode norms.
- Countries targeted by such threats react defensively, showing these actions are taken as credible and corrosive.
Preemptive Strikes Violate Law
- Preemptive strikes without clear imminent threat violate international law under the UN Charter.
- Past misuse of preemptive self-defense has led to catastrophic consequences regionally and globally.
