David Harvey: Do Not Speak to Me of Rules

The title for this article is derived from this brief clip from David Lean’s “Bridge on the River Kwai” (1957)

This article addresses some current issues. It takes as a general context what is understood by the Rules Based Order. It briefly describes what is understood by this term, how it has operated and some of the challenges that it has faced.

The Rules Based Order is invoked from time to time when convenient and often in circumstances when by its invocation its flaws and weaknesses are made clear.