Only Brute Power Rules- The humanitarian crisis in Gaza

(Source: The Indian Express, Editorial Page)

Also Read: The Indian Express Editorial Analysis: 24 July 2025
Also Read: The Hindu Editorial Analysis: 24 July 2025

Topic: GS2: Polity & Governance, International Relations, Human Rights; GS4: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude

Context

The editorial “Only brute power rules” examines the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and critiques the global community—especially Western democracies—for their selective silence and inconsistent adherence to international law and human rights. It highlights the growing predominance of raw power over morality, ethics, and the rule of law.

Introduction

• The Gaza conflict has exposed the limitations of global institutions and collective international responses to humanitarian crises.

• The lack of meaningful action by major democracies challenges the credibility of the rules-based world order and raises questions about the true drivers of state behavior.

Erosion of International Norms

• Global Institutions Undermined: The impotence of bodies like the UN in averting human rights violations is stark, as they are often constrained by political interests of major powers.

• Double Standards: Democracies that uphold human rights in their rhetoric frequently adopt a selective approach, ignoring violations when political or strategic interests are involved.

• Impact: Such selectivity erodes faith in international law and breeds cynicism among emerging nations about the fairness of the global order.

Realpolitik vs. Ethics

• Primacy of Power: The editorial asserts that, rather than law or ethics, brute power increasingly determines international outcomes and the fate of people in conflict zones.

• Moral Hypocrisy: When economically or militarily strong nations act with impunity, moral principles are sidelined.

• Lessons for India: For aspirants, understanding realpolitik and its ethical dilemmas is crucial for answer writing in GS2 and GS4.

Effects on Democracy and Global Order

• Democratic Precedent: The silence or rationalization by democracies sets a dangerous precedent, normalizing selective outrage.

• Legitimacy Crisis: Inconsistent application of international law and humanitarian principles leads to a legitimacy crisis for both global and domestic governance frameworks.

• Emboldening Authoritarianism: When global institutions appear toothless, authoritarian actors are emboldened, eroding global checks and balances.

India’s Position: Balancing Act

• As an emerging global voice, India is compelled to balance national interests with its commitment to international law and humanitarian values.

• India’s foreign policy decisions and responses to global crises are and will be closely watched for both principle and pragmatism.

Way Forward

• Strengthen Global Institutions: Work towards reforms that make global bodies more effective, transparent, and fair.

• Consistent Standards: Advocate for the uniform application of international law to prevent selective justice.

• Ethics in Diplomacy: Uphold ethical conduct in international relations while safeguarding national interests.

• Civil Society’s Role: Media, academia, and civil society must persist in demanding accountability from governments and international actors.

Important Points for UPSC Aspirants

• The editorial provides critical examples for GS2 (international relations, governance, human rights) and GS4 (ethical dilemmas, values in public administration).

• Offers analytical insights into real-world situations where the ethical and legal frameworks are challenged by power politics.

• Useful as material for essay writing and main answers involving international law, global governance, and ethics in diplomacy.

Comparative Analysis Table

Aspect	The Editorial’s Critique	UPSC Relevance (GS)
Global Institutions	Largely ineffective in preventing violations	GS2: Role of UN, global order
Democracies’ Conduct	Selective outrage, double standards	GS2/GS4: Ethics, governance
Realpolitik	Power trumps law and ethics	GS2/GS4: Diplomatic dilemmas
Impact on Int’l Law	Loss of legitimacy, selective enforcement	GS2: Int’l law, rule of law
Lessons for India	Need for ethical and pragmatic foreign policy	GS2/GS4: India’s foreign policy

Practice Question: (GS-2 | 15 Marks | 250 Words) Critically examine how the selective outrage of democracies during humanitarian crises challenges the legitimacy of the global order. Discuss the implications for international law and ethics, and suggest the way forward for India.