The U.S. has often proclaimed its support for the rule of law in international affairs, but has found it increasingly difficult to adhere to it in practice. John Murphy demonstrates the wide-ranging difficulties obstructing U.S. adherence to the rule of law. He also examines the reasons for the declining U.S. support for the international institutions it was instrumental in creating, as well as U.S. unwillingness to support new popular initiatives in international law.