“YI ZIRAN” ON THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE RIGHT TO PEACE IN INTERNATIONAL LAW AGAINST THE BACKDROP OF THE EMERGING EXTREMISM

Abstract: The unprecedented transformations of the world order, propelled by unparalleled extreme political and economic ideologies, that we are experiencing today violate the obligations under the World Trade Organisation. Recognising “the dignity and worth of the human person” as the core objectives that are intended to ensure world peace, The United Nations Charter mandates that nations “live together in peace”, “maintain international peace and security”, and refrain from the “use of force” in their mutual relations. Faced with this devastating global transformation, especially the threat to world peace, it is imperative for the international community to review and optimize the existing international order. This article proposes an effective approach to renewing and reforming the contemporary international order, rooted in Eastern culture and wisdom: “Yi Ziran”, a theoretical framework and research methodology for international law centred on the cosmic view of the “Way of Nature” (Tiandao Ziran) which encompasses many philosophical thoughts such as Confucianism and pre-eminence of law and legal order. Specifically, this paper will analyse the essence and trajectory of the extremism promoted by the United States, as well as the potential choices for the international community, from the perspective of “Yi Ziran”. As a strategy to counter the American extremism, it proposes that the international community should reaffirm the right to peace as a fundamental human right. Recognition of the right to peace, not only as an individual right but also a collective right under international law, will advance the realization of “the dignity and worth of the human person” under the United Nation Charter.

Keywords: Chinese legal philosophy; discriminatory economic measures; extremism; equality of nations; right to development; right to world peace; United Nations Charter; Yi Ziran