International Law and Technological Progress Conference 2022
The call for papers is closed.
Keynote speakers:
- Professor Elizabeth Kirk (University of Lincoln): 'First Principles, International Law and Technology'
- Professor Nicholas Tsagourias (University of Sheffield): 'New Technologies and International Law: Challenges and Prospects'
We are eager to receive submissions from all over the UK, Europe and beyond, including from postgraduate students. Proposals for panels will be considered.
Technological progress has brought positive developments to the quality of life, advances in science, and economic growth. However, it also raises challenges for both the procedural and substantive parts of international law, with emerging technologies testing the existing paradigms. The development of cyberspace - and the power of IT corporations - requires reassessment of the sovereignty, jurisdiction and responsibility of States. Cyber military strategies together with the use of drones present an obstacle for the application of classic international peace and security law. The advancement of technology allowing resource development in previously off-limits environments, such as the deep sea or outer space, calls for stringent international environmental regulation. Technology also impacts on international human rights law, through for instance the resort to cyber surveillance techniques. The practice of international law itself is being transformed by new communication processes.
This conference aims to explore challenges posed by technological progress to international law through three main themes: established frameworks and new technologies; international law in new environments; and non-State actors and technology.
We, therefore, invite abstracts for papers or proposals for panels on topics including but not limited to the following:
Established frameworks and new technologies
- International human rights law and artificial intelligence
- International humanitarian law, international criminal law, and new weapons
- Climate change/environmental law and technology
- International economic law and digital economy
- Dispute settlement and technology
- Migration/refugee law and technology
- International health law and technology
- Diplomatic and consular law and information technology
International law in new environments
- International law-making through social media
- General international law (sovereignty, jurisdiction, responsibility of States…) in cyberspace/outer space
- International human rights law in cyberspace/outer space
- The law on the use of force in cyberspace/outer space
- International humanitarian law in cyberspace/outer space
- Climate change/environmental law in the Arctic, high seas, and outer space
- International communication law in cyberspace/outer space
Non-State actors and technology
- The law on the use of force, international humanitarian law and attacks by non-State actors through new technologies
- Regulation of the use of the Internet to prevent its malicious use
- The role of IT corporations in international law-making
- The status and accountability of IT corporations in cyberspace
- The status and accountability of private actors in outer space
- Partnership between States and non-State actors to address legal challenges posed by technologies
Conference papers may be published through a publication opportunity we are currently exploring.