Abstract

This paper will discuss the link between the history of colonialism and the genesis and evolution of International Law and in turn the role played by this relationship to maintain it, directly or indirectly, to our current day. The blame of underdevelopment is often misplaced, and its responsibility falls on the Global South for their inability to follow the same momentum of development as the Global North. Nevertheless, the aim of this paper is to prove that this blame of underdevelopment given its original reasons should be placed elsewhere. With that, the discussion of where the blame should be is conducted on whether it lies in colonial history, the unjust nature of International Law, or the current legitimately exploitative world order. Colonial history as we know it has set the foundations for the creation of International Law. Due to its imperial nature, International Law in fact plays into further legitimizing colonial rule. Even after decolonization, the neo-colonial, or as often referred to neo-liberal, the International legal system plays a role in ensuring its continuity. Although colonialism as we see it now may not look exactly like the official era of colonization, it is quite similarly characterized. This discussion will be further solidified in the case study of Pakistan, following from its official colonization all the way to its decolonization and the aftermath. From this discussion every reader can conclude their own perspective on where the underdevelopment blame should be placed.

School

School of Global Affairs and Public Policy

Department

Law Department

Degree Name

MA in International Human Rights Law

Graduation Date

Fall 1-5-2026

Submission Date

9-8-2025

First Advisor

Prof. Jason Beckett

Committee Member 1

Dr. Hany Sayed

Committee Member 2

Dr. Thomas Skouteris

Extent

52 p.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Not necessary for this item

Disclosure of AI Use

No use of AI

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