In fact, all 1914 shows is that then, so-called International Law was a farce. A farce with no force.

It still is.
and I'll point out that most laws are not designed to protect the weak, they are intended to preserve and enhance the power of the state and its nominal elites.
Then why do you think Chertoff is "on the right track" if the "burden" of "reality" that you describe above does not change?