THE STRENGTH OF THE RIGHT VERSUS THE RIGHT OF THE STRONGER

Plea in favour of international law and human rights

"Kaleck's new non-fiction book shows that international law has power. "taz

Russia's attack on Ukraine, the escalation of the Middle East conflict after 7 October, Israel's attack on Iran - these are just a few, albeit decisive, developments in recent years that show how the »old« international order is eroding and international law and human rights are being increasingly disregarded. In this much-vaunted turning point, the fundamental question arises as to whether international law is strong enough to withstand this storm or whether the law of the jungle will simply apply in future.
Wolfgang Kaleck, one of the most internationally renowned human rights lawyers, argues in this pamphlet that international law and human rights must not be put up for discussion, precisely because, despite all the ambivalences, shocks and setbacks, they essentially represent immense progress on the path to a fairer world. It not only reminds us that the dream of »perpetual peace« was born out of the trauma of war, but also shows how necessary it is right now to hold on to this »utopian project«, which reforms of international law and its institutions could strengthen it and how and with whom we can fight for it together.

Wolfgang Kaleck founded the human rights organisation European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR) in Berlin in 2007 and has been its Secretary General ever since. He is the author of several books, including »Die konkrete Utopie der Menschenrechte« (2021) and »Law versus Power« (2018). He has been awarded the Hermann Kesten Prize of the PEN Centre Germany and the Max Friedländer Prize of the Bavarian Bar Association, among others, and works on numerous projects with the Akademie der Künste in Berlin, the Haus der Kulturen der Welt, the Magnum Foundation, Galerie Autograph and other cultural institutions.

Muna Duzdar, lawyer, SPÖ member of the National Council and spokesperson for the constitution

Moderation Robert Misik, Author and journalist

Wolfgang Kaleck:
The strength of the law vs. the law of the strongest
Kunstmann Verlag, March 2026, 21,50 €