Call for Papers: Sociological Inquiries into International Law in a Polarized World: Markets, National Security, and Democracy, 13–14 November 2025
The Sixth Workshop on Sociological Inquiries into International Law will be held at Utrecht University on 13–14 November 2025. Participants will explore how sociological perspectives can deepen our understanding of the range of current challenges for the international legal system, their effects within and beyond legal institutions, and the potential responses offered to these challenges.
Against this backdrop, the Sixth Workshop on Sociological Inquiries into International Law will be held at Utrecht University.
Submissions and topics
We invite submissions employing diverse sociological tools, frameworks, and theories to examine topics including, but not limited to:
- The rise of populism, government responses to popular movements, and threats to democratic practices and the rule of law
- The impact of double standards on the legitimacy of international law and the authority of those enforcing or seeking to reform it
- The role of international courts and tribunals, the politicization of international institutions, and their potential to transform the legal system
- The expansion of sanctions and the increasing use of economic and financial restrictions
- Economic unilateralism aimed at de-risking and protecting national security
- The proliferation of economic nationalism and new industrial policies
- Domestic and international efforts to address climate change and their effects on global trade and development
- Technological advancements, including hybrid warfare, digitalization of products, artificial intelligence, digital surveillance, and emerging international legal regimes
- Immigration and debates over border control
We encourage submissions on these and related themes focusing on sociological approaches to international law. The workshop will be held in person on 13-14 November 2025, in the Johanna Hudig Gebouw building at the Utrecht University School of Law.
Details for submissions
To apply, please electronically submit an abstract of maximum 300 words and your CV using the following Google form by 31 March 2025. If you have any questions, please contact Alexandra Hofer ([email protected])
For more details, refer here
