Are We Heading Towards a Changed Order of International Legal System? A Post-COVID-19 Approach

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted the global order, challenging long-standing assumptions about the North–South divide and the efficacy of international legal frameworks. This article argues that the pandemic has accelerated the emergence of a new international legal regime, one that moves away from the Western-centric approach that has historically dominated global governance. The first part critiques the North–South divide, demonstrating its diminishing relevance as nations in the Global South, including India and Vietnam, responded more effectively to the crisis compared to their First World counterparts. The paper also highlights the economic struggles of the Global North, challenging the traditional view of the divide. The second part examines the role of International Health Regulations and state responses during the pandemic, arguing that the current legal framework is inadequate to address the complexities of global health crises. Drawing on the theories of Vitoria and Grotius, the article explores the evolving concepts of sovereignty and freedom of movement in the context of isolation and quarantine measures. The article concludes that we are witnessing a shift towards a changed world order, where the old Western-centric legal regime is being replaced by a more inclusive and cooperative international system, driven by the need for greater coordination and transparency in the face of global challenges like pandemics.