CONTEMPORARY USE OF FORCE IN THE SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES IN INTERNATIONAL LAW

Traditionally, use of force in international law contains implicated notions. Use of force as a matter of fact, is generally prohibited. There are avalanche of international instruments that prohibit use of force, inclusive of the provisions on combined articles 2 (4) and (7) to the UN Charter. However, these instruments brooks of exceptions including self- defence, collective self-defence, self-determination, uniting for peace, and etcetera. Notwithstanding the above, use of force seems to have been subjected to novel disruption in international law, if regard is had to the recent US invasion of Venezuela, actively spear-headed by President Trump. Against this backdrop, the author argued that use of force can escalate tensions and lead to further violence, undermine diplomatic efforts, violates international law, create humanitarian crises, and destabilize regions. The paper therefore maintained that the global community is tended to strive better in the absence of non-use of force in the settlement of disputes in international law.