Former President of Ireland and academic lawyer Dr Mary McAleese delivers a powerful and wide-ranging address on democracy, human dignity, planetary health, and the rule of law in this special end-of-year episode of The Justice Edit (formerly Horsehair Wigs).
Recorded in front of a live audience at an IRLI event at the Law Society of Ireland in November, McAleese - in conversation with barrister, Peter Leonard - offers a searing assessment of the global political climate, warning of democratic backsliding, the rise of undemocratic leaders, and the growing normalisation of war and authoritarian power.
Reflecting on the postwar international order, she cautions that, “Coming out of the Second World War, we hear now more warmongering talk, all of which can feed the big business that spins out of the war machine.”
At the heart of her address is a clear ethical demand: "The sacredness of the human person, the sacredness of the earth — these things have got to be embedded in the employment of capital and big business. Without that, you get a wrecking match — and that’s what we’re seeing.”
McAleese warns that democratic progress is never guaranteed, noting that even long-established democracies are now centres of decline: “Rather tragically, famous democracies are now the centre of that backsliding. They use the words democracy and rule of law, but in a sense that none of us would recognise as having any credibility.”
She also reflects on the election of autocratic leaders within democratic systems, calling it “an awful sad thing… to see democracies capable of electing autocrats and people with second-century imperial ambitions.”
The conversation explores the role of international institutions in resisting impunity and defending accountability. Of the International Criminal Court, McAleese observes that while some states may walk away from responsibility, “the fact that it exists… sends a message to all people under abusers of the rule of law that outside of them, there’s a world that actually dares to care.”
She further defends the European Union as a cornerstone of postwar peace and cooperation, urging citizens not to abandon it in moments of frustration: “If you have problems with the European Union, remember why it’s there… You don’t walk away from it. You stay and fight your ground.”
McAleese also challenges religious institutions to engage more actively in confronting violence, exploitation, and indifference, noting their global influence, before closing with a stark warning: “We are facing existential crises — and they are upon us in this generation.”
This episode was recorded in memory of James Douglas, Irish Rule of Law International’s late Executive Director, and is dedicated to his commitment to human rights and the rule of law.
This episode was recorded live in front of an audience, and some variation in audio quality is to be expected.
Presented and produced by Evelyn McClafferty.
With thanks to our donors: Irish Aid.
Note: The views and opinions expressed in this episode do not necessarily represent those of IRLI or its donors.
