GILDS Discussion / ESIL Lecture with Prof. Jean d’Aspremont

"The Discourse on Customary International Law" (in collaboration with the European Society of International Law)

While many studies have looked at traditional questions of how to identify customary law, this presentation takes a new and original approach. It looks instead at the structure of thought that lies beneath the arguments about customary international law. By examining these structures, the presentation uncovers surprising conclusions, and demonstrates the ‚discursive splendour‘ of customary international law. One of its key claims is that customary international law is not the surviving trace of an ancient law-making mechanism that used to be found in traditional societies. It is also argued that, contrary to mainstream opinion, customary international law is in fact shaped by texts, and originates from a textual environment.

For participation in person we ask for a binding registration by e-mail to voelkerrecht(at)uni-graz.at until 28.09.2022. No separate registration is required to follow the discussion via livestream.