AUT - Auckland University of Technology

What is the purpose of international law? | International Law Matters

Welcome to Auckland University of Technology’s (AUT) Research Matters! 🚀 AUT’s Research Matters video series is where AUT academics answer everyday questions about their fields of expertise. Get the answer to those questions you’ve always had – or maybe never knew to ask. What makes a state, and why does Palestinian statehood matter? 🌍AUT’s Senior Lecturer in Law Myra Williamson breaks down how international law works, what happens when countries break it, and where New Zealand stands. Plus, the big debates shaping the future – from deep‑sea mining to global rule‑making. Chapters 00:32 There is a huge focus on Palestinian statehood. So, what makes a state? 01:29 Does it really matter if NZ recognises Palestinian statehood? 02:36 What is the purpose of international law? 03:40 What happens if you break international law – as an individual or as a country? 05:55 How does international law differ from national law? 07:47 Compared to other countries, how rigorously does NZ uphold international law? 08:55 What is the greatest threat to international law? 09:29 What’s the big deal about deep-sea mining? 11:47 What is the future of international law? 📖 Read about Myra Williamson https://academics.aut.ac.nz/myra.williamson 🎓 Want to study law? Explore AUT Law School https://www.aut.ac.nz/study/study-options/law 📰 Read Myra’s articles on Palestinian statehood and international law in The Conversation https://theconversation.com/nz/search?q=Myra+williamson 📜 Montevideo Convention (criteria for statehood) https://treaties.un.org/pages/showdetails.aspx?objid=0800000280166aef 🌊 Clarion‑Clipperton Zone – potential deep‑sea mining area https://isa.org.jm/maps/clarion-clipperton-fracture-zone/ 🕊️ Palestinian state recognition – key historical steps https://unric.org/en/recognition-of-palestine-a-long-history/ 🇳🇿 New Zealand’s current position on recognising a Palestinian state https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/nz-maintain-approach-recognition-palestine #InternationalLaw #GlobalIssues #Statehood #DeepSeaMining #Palestine