24º Congresso Brasileiro de Direito Internacional
The 24º Congresso Brasileiro de Direito Internacional is an academic and professional gathering focused on international law, held in Vitória, Brazil. This event serves as a significant platform for scholars, practitioners, and students to engage with contemporary issues and developments in the field. It underscores Brazil's commitment to fostering dialogue and advancing legal scholarship on a global scale.
Committees & topics
Topics
International Law and New Technologies · Emerging Technologies and the Reconfiguration of International Relations · Regulatory Challenges of AI, Data Governance, Biotechnology, Surveillance, Quantum Computing, and Autonomous Systems · Impacts of New Technologies on the Formulation, Interpretation, and Application of International Law · New Technologies and Their Impacts on the Theoretical Structure of the International Legal System
Why it matters
This congress holds particular importance as it convenes experts in a country that plays an increasingly prominent role in international relations. The discussions and research presented at the event contribute to the ongoing evolution of international legal frameworks, impacting how states interact and resolve disputes. For those involved in diplomacy, understanding the perspectives and legal interpretations emerging from such forums is crucial for effective engagement and negotiation.
The event provides a unique opportunity to observe and analyze the application of international law within a specific regional context. The insights gained can inform strategies for multilateral cooperation and conflict resolution. Furthermore, the congress facilitates networking among legal professionals, fostering collaborations that can lead to new approaches in addressing complex global challenges. The academic rigor and practical relevance of the topics discussed make this congress a key event for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of international law's real-world implications.
How to prepare
To effectively engage with the discussions at the congress, participants should undertake a thorough review of current international legal debates, particularly those relevant to BRA and the wider region. Understanding the historical context of international law and its development, as well as the specific legal traditions prevalent in BRA, will provide a strong foundation. Participants should also consider the various perspectives that different states and legal systems bring to international law, as highlighted in the lesson on "Dynamic Analysis."
Preparing for this event also involves considering the "Hidden Stakeholders" in international legal discourse. Beyond state actors, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and even individual legal scholars can significantly influence the interpretation and application of international law. Engaging with these diverse viewpoints, as discussed in "Engagement Strategies," will enrich the experience and allow for a more nuanced understanding of the topics presented. A "Stakeholder Mapping Workshop" could be beneficial for identifying key players and their interests before attending.
Country perspectives
Where the most-relevant 4 countries stand on the core issues in play. Click through for the full country profile.
BrazilA key host and participant, BRA is central to discussions on international law, particularly concerning regional integration and environmental law.
Role in topic
BRA actively participates in the development and interpretation of international law, often advocating for multilateralism and the sovereignty of states. Its legal scholars contribute significantly to debates on human rights, environmental protection, and economic law within the international sphere.
United StatesA major global power, the USA's approach to international law often influences global norms, though its interpretations can differ from other nations.
Role in topic
The USA's legal tradition and its role in international institutions mean its perspectives on international law are always relevant. Discussions at the congress might touch upon areas where US legal positions diverge or align with those of other states, particularly regarding trade, security, and human rights.
ChinaCHN's growing global influence means its evolving stance on international law, particularly in areas like sovereignty and economic relations, is a critical point of discussion.
Role in topic
As a rising global power, CHN's engagement with international law is a subject of intense scrutiny. Its approach to issues such as territorial disputes, international trade, and cyber governance will likely be a significant, albeit indirect, theme in many discussions at the congress.
GermanyDEU is a strong proponent of a rules-based international order and multilateral institutions, often emphasizing human rights and international cooperation.
Role in topic
DEU's commitment to international law, particularly within the European context, provides a valuable perspective on the enforcement and evolution of international norms. Its legal scholars often contribute to discussions on humanitarian law, international criminal law, and the role of international organizations.
Topics & background
The background behind each topic and the actors that shape it.
International Law and New Technologies
Key players
- Brazil
Host of the CBDI and leading Global South voice on digital sovereignty, data protection (LGPD) and AI regulation.
- United States
Dominant locus of technology firms and proponent of a market-led, innovation-first regulatory model.
- China
Advocate of cyber sovereignty and major rule-shaper in AI, biotech, and digital infrastructure.
- Germany
Key driver, via the EU, of the Brussels effect through the GDPR, AI Act and Digital Services Act.
IndiaEmerging digital power shaping data governance and pushing for inclusive technology governance through the G20.
Emerging Technologies and the Reconfiguration of International Relations
Key players
- United States
Leader of a Western techno-bloc combining export controls, industrial policy and alliance-based standard setting.
- China
Principal challenger pursuing technological self-reliance and an alternative model of digital order.
RussiaDisruptor leveraging cyber capabilities and energy/space assets amid sanctions and isolation from Western tech.
- Brazil
Middle power pursuing digital non-alignment and shaping BRICS and G20 technology agendas.
- Germany
Core EU economy promoting strategic autonomy in semiconductors, AI, and critical raw materials.
South KoreaIndispensable node in semiconductor supply chains balancing US security ties with Chinese market exposure.
Regulatory Challenges of AI, Data Governance, Biotechnology, Surveillance, Quantum Computing, and Autonomous Systems
Key players
- United States
Anchors voluntary AI safety frameworks, NIST standards, and leads in quantum and biotech research.
- China
Pioneer of comprehensive AI, data, and genetic regulation, and a major surveillance technology exporter.
- Germany
Through the EU, sets binding standards via the AI Act, GDPR and Data Act with global spillover.
- Brazil
Advancing AI legislation (PL 2338/2023), LGPD enforcement and biosecurity regulation via CTNBio.
United KingdomHosts AI Safety Summits and the AI Safety Institute, promoting frontier-model oversight.
IsraelKey actor in commercial cyber-surveillance and autonomous systems, central to spyware regulation debates.
Impacts of New Technologies on the Formulation, Interpretation, and Application of International Law
Key players
- Brazil
Active in shaping interpretation through its Foreign Ministry, STF jurisprudence on platform liability, and G20 leadership.
- United States
Major exporter of interpretive frameworks via the Tallinn process and bilateral cyber agreements.
- China
Promotes alternative interpretations emphasizing sovereignty and non-interference in cyberspace.
- Russia
Co-sponsor of the UN OEWG and Cybercrime Convention initiatives, shaping state-centric interpretive lines.
NetherlandsHost of the ICJ and ICC and active proponent of detailed legal positions on the application of IHL to cyber.
FranceInfluential voice on AI governance and digital sovereignty through the EU and UNESCO.
New Technologies and Their Impacts on the Theoretical Structure of the International Legal System
Key players
- Brazil
Hub of critical international legal theory engaging digital constitutionalism and TWAIL approaches.
- United States
Home base of the major platforms whose private ordering reshapes notions of sovereignty and jurisdiction.
- China
Theorizes and practices a sovereigntist, state-centric reconfiguration of international order in the digital domain.
- Germany
Central to European doctrinal innovation on digital constitutionalism, data protection and AI rights.
South AfricaLeading Global South voice connecting technology governance to decolonial and developmental concerns.
- India
Articulates a distinct vision of digital public infrastructure and data sovereignty influencing global theory.
Resources
News, lessons, and country profiles to prep for 24º Congresso Brasileiro de Direito Internacional.
Lessons
Bite-sized lessons to build the basics
Courses
Guided courses that go deeper on the topic
The states in play, with the data that shapes their stance
Related conferences
By committee
- International Law and New Technologies
- Emerging Technologies and the Reconfiguration of International Relations
- Regulatory Challenges of AI, Data Governance, Biotechnology, Surveillance, Quantum Computing, and Autonomous Systems
- Impacts of New Technologies on the Formulation, Interpretation, and Application of International Law
- New Technologies and Their Impacts on the Theoretical Structure of the International Legal System