International Law and Global Governance: Challenges in the 21st Century

This article focuses on two key challenges facing international law and global governance in the 21st century: the continued weakness of international law enforcement mechanisms, and the increasing influence of multinational corporations (TNCs) as non-state actors on the international stage. It also considers the responsibilities of these corporations. Although international law is the cornerstone of regulating relations between nations and global affairs, the article argues that its effectiveness is being severely tested due to a lack of enforcement power, as well as inadequate regulatory and accountability mechanisms, when dealing with TNCs that have significant economic influence and whose actions may affect human rights, labour and the environment. The study delves into the root causes of enforcement dilemmas, such as dependence on state consent and political influence from major powers. It also systematically explores the challenges posed to the traditional state-centred model of international law by the behaviour of multinational corporations, as well as the limitations of existing regulatory frameworks such as soft law and state obligations. It proposes that these challenges can be addressed by strengthening international judicial institutions, developing innovative norms and enforcement tools (such as supply chain due diligence legislation) and constructing a more inclusive and effective global governance architecture, thereby enhancing the adaptability and authority of international law.