Call for Papers: Universalism and Particularism in International Law

The Interest Group on International Legal Theory of the European Society of International Law has issued a call for papers for a workshop to be held on the occasion of the Fifth Biennial European Society of International Law Conference, in Valencia, September 13–15, 2012. Here's the call:

European Society of International Law

Interest Group on International Legal Theory

Workshop, held on the occasion of the Fifth Biennial ESIL Conference on ‘Regionalism and International Law’

Valencia, 13–15 September 2012

Call for Papers

Universalism and Particularism in International Law

On the occasion of the Fifth Biennial ESIL Conference in Valencia, the ESIL Interest Group on International Legal Theory invites submissions for a workshop on the theoretical dimensions of the universalism–particularism dynamic in international law.

The Topic

This panel will address the universal and the particular in the structures of international law and the role of regionalism in expressing, mediating, cutting across or subverting universal-particular dynamics. International legal scholars are accustomed to analysing questions of regionalism on the basis of general theories of normative differentiation and centre–periphery dynamics, typically adapted from social theory, historical sociology, or political economy. Indeed, only a few scholars have sought to undertake independent investigations into the competing interpretations of the concept of regionalism in international legal discourse itself. What might a sustained theorisation of the concept of regionalism in international law look like? How might such a theorisation relate to international legal debates animated by universalism and/or particularism? To what extent should international law recognize and support the political, historical, cultural, and economic differences among states?

The Application Process

We invite submissions of abstracts of no more than 400 words from all scholars with an interest in international legal theory. Selection will be based on scholarly merit, and with regard to producing an engaging workshop, but without prejudice to gender, seniority, language or geographical location.

Each submission should include the following:

(a) a short curriculum vitae containing the author’s name, institutional affiliation, contact information and e-mail address;

(b) an abstract of no more than 400 words; and

(c) the intended language of presentation.

Applications should be submitted to legaltheory@esil-sedi.eu by 1 April 2012. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of the selection process by 15 April 2012.

Please note that the ESIL Interest Group on International Legal Theory is unable to provide funds to cover the conference registration fee or related transport and accommodation costs. For further information about the ESIL Interest Group on International Legal Theory, please see: http://esiligilt.blogspot.com

The Co-ordinating Committee of the ESIL Interest Group on International Legal Theory

Aeyal Gross, Fleur Johns, Jörg Kammerhofer, Umut Özsu, Sundhya Pahuja, Ignacio de la Rasilla del Moral, Akbar Rasulov and Mortimer Sellers.