10 December, 2024, Skopje-North Macedonia
Recent conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine have highlighted profound challenges to the foundations of international law and the effectiveness of global institutions. These conflicts underscore a trend of growing disregard for international norms, prompting a critical reevaluation of the so-called promises of international law-such as the protection and emancipation of the oppressed, the delivery of justice, the protection of human rights and the maintenance of international peace and security. The very rationale for the existence of global institutions-ensuring peace and stability-appears increasingly fragile, as these bodies, the United Nations in particular, struggle to respond effectively to escalating crises. The specter of a third world war is now being discussed with greater seriousness than ever before, reflecting a deepening crisis of confidence in the ability of the international legal order to uphold its most fundamental objectives.
Conference Themes
International Law Theory: Analyzing how historical and ongoing colonial influences and power relations shape international legal frameworks, often perpetuating injustices rather than resolving them. Papers should examine the systemic failures of international law, especially in contexts involving the Global South. Building on decolonising global hegemonic narratives, submissions are encouraged to propose frameworks for greater epistemological inclusivity of all cultures, fairer structures, and more equitable distribution of rights and obligations.
Palestine and International Law: Investigating the effectiveness—or lack thereof—of international legal mechanisms in addressing the rights and struggles of the Palestinian people and Israeli atrocities against them. This theme encourages exploration of how international law has been applied, ignored, or manipulated in this context. Ukraine and International Law: Assessing the international legal response to the conflict in Ukraine, including the issues of sovereignty, territorial integrity, human rights violations, war crimes and crimes against humanity. This theme also seeks to compare and contrast the treatment of Ukraine with other conflicts, particularly Palestine, to highlight inconsistencies and biases.
International Law and Balkans: Drawing lessons from the Ukrainian and Palestinian conflicts that resonate with the Balkan region’s historical and current geopolitical context. This theme invites reflections on how the Balkan states and people can address the complex landscape of international law and leverage these lessons for regional peace and security.
Submission Guidelines
We invite submissions of abstracts that address any of the above themes. Abstracts should be no more than 300 words and must be submitted by October 30, 2024. Please include a title, author name, affiliation, and contact information. Notifications of acceptance will be sent by November 15, 2024.
Costs
There is no registration fee for participating in the conference. We are pleased to offer funding for travel and accommodation expenses for a select number of papers, subject to review and approval.
For more details, refer here
