International law was always a scam. The only justification for war any country has ever needed is “because I can.” the only defence ever needed for economic war has always only been “What are you going to do about it?”

“Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun”

No, I think international law has been working exactly as designed. It’s just being run by a ruling class that has degenerated to the point where they can’t even hide its true purpose like they used to.