Japan Warns Global Order Faces Growing Strain, Calls for Stronger Rule of Law

Japan Warns Global Order Faces Growing Strain, Calls for Stronger Rule of Law

August 24, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi has warned that the international order is facing mounting pressure from shifting global power balances and intensifying conflicts, calling for stronger reliance on international law to settle disputes peacefully.

In a video message to the Tokyo International Law Seminar 2026 on Monday, Motegi said the international community was at a critical juncture over whether it could preserve a "free and open international order based on the rule of law".

"Today, the world is facing profound structural changes driven by the shifting balance of power and the intensifying conflicts and confrontations," Motegi said.

He said Japan placed importance on international judicial institutions as mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes and the maintenance of the international legal order.

Japan has sought to strengthen such institutions, Motegi said, pointing to Japanese judges currently holding the presidencies of both the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Motegi also called for greater investment in developing expertise in international law and strengthening cooperation among legal professionals across countries.

"To anchor the rule of law in the international community, it is essential to foster human resources and promote exchanges and coordination beyond borders," he said.

The Tokyo International Law Seminar, now in its fourth year, brings together next-generation international law practitioners from Asia and Africa with leading experts. Motegi said the forum was intended to strengthen knowledge-sharing and professional networks across borders.

He encouraged participants to use the seminar to deepen their understanding of international law and build common knowledge among legal professionals from different countries.

The minister said he hoped the seminar would contribute to advancing peace through the rule of law.

Source: FSX Business News