In her article, Kristina Lindquist reflects on the state of international law and human rights in the context of ongoing global conflicts, particularly spotlighting the assault on Iran. She suggests that the mechanisms of international law have shifted from serious governance to mere performances, where the hypocrisies of nations are revealed as they pick and choose which laws to follow, often based on their interests. She questions the sincerity of the global community in claiming to uphold human rights while simultaneously engaging in warfare and oppression.

Lindquist draws a parallel to popular media, referencing a scene from the TV series "Scrubs" that highlights the incongruities and contradictions of political narratives, notably those surrounding the Iraq War. By stating that the so-called 'mission accomplished' may not reflect the reality of ongoing violence and strife, she emphasizes the need to scrutinize the terms under which governments operate and the narratives they promote. Lindquist illustrates that although the facade of international law may appear performative, it serves an essential role in modulating conflict to some extent.

Ultimately, Lindquist argues that if international law and its accompanying rhetoric were discarded entirely, only the raw and unfiltered nature of violence would remain. This has profound implications for the way conflict is managed globally, suggesting that even if hypocritical, the structures of international law play a necessary role in mitigating chaos and fostering some degree of order, however flawed it may be.