BiennialConference on International Law and Social Science
The Biennial Conference on International Law and Social Science serves as a crucial forum for exploring the intricate connections between international legal frameworks and social science research. Hosted in Los Angeles, USA, this event brings together scholars and practitioners to analyze how social dynamics influence and are influenced by international law. It underscores the necessity of interdisciplinary approaches to address global challenges effectively. The conference aims to foster a deeper, empirically informed understanding of international law, moving beyond purely doctrinal analyses. By integrating insights from various social science disciplines, it seeks to illuminate the practical implications and societal impacts of legal norms and institutions. This collaborative environment is designed to generate innovative research and policy recommendations that are grounded in both legal scholarship and social scientific inquiry.
Committees & topics
Why it matters
In an increasingly interconnected world, the efficacy and legitimacy of international law depend heavily on its resonance with societal realities. This conference is vital because it directly addresses the gap between legal theory and social practice. International legal instruments, while designed to regulate global interactions, often encounter diverse social contexts that shape their interpretation and enforcement. Understanding these contexts through a social science lens is paramount for effective global governance.
For instance, the application of international legal principles can vary significantly across different social structures and cultural norms. A legal framework developed with one set of societal assumptions might face challenges when implemented in a different social environment. The conference provides a platform to examine these nuances, offering critical insights into how international law can be made more adaptable and equitable. It highlights the importance of considering local social dynamics when crafting and applying international legal standards.
Furthermore, the event emphasizes the role of empirical research in strengthening international legal scholarship. By encouraging the use of social science methodologies, it promotes a more evidence-based approach to understanding legal phenomena. This integration helps to identify the actual impacts of international law on communities and individuals, moving beyond abstract legal concepts to tangible societal outcomes. This focus on empirical grounding is essential for developing robust and responsive legal systems.
How to prepare
To effectively engage with the themes of the Biennial Conference on International Law and Social Science, attendees should focus on developing a strong interdisciplinary perspective. This involves not only a solid understanding of international legal principles but also an appreciation for how social science methodologies can illuminate legal issues. Participants should consider how concepts like "hidden stakeholders" and "engagement strategies" (see: /learn/lessons/hidden-stakeholders and /learn/lessons/engagement-strategies) can be applied to analyze the practical implementation and societal impact of international law.
Preparation should also include reviewing current debates at the intersection of law and social science. Understanding "what is stakeholder mapping?" (see: /learn/lessons/what-is-stakeholder-mapping) and its relevance to legal frameworks can provide a valuable lens for analyzing the diverse actors involved in international legal processes. Consider how different social groups, often overlooked in traditional legal analyses, influence the development and enforcement of international norms. This broader perspective allows for a more comprehensive contribution to discussions.
Furthermore, participants should be prepared to engage in "dynamic analysis" (see: /learn/lessons/dynamic-analysis) of complex global issues. This means moving beyond static interpretations of law to understand how legal systems evolve in response to social, economic, and political changes. Reflect on how social science insights can inform policy recommendations and legal reforms, fostering a more adaptive and effective international legal order. This approach will enable attendees to contribute meaningfully to the conference's goal of bridging theoretical insights with practical applications.
Country perspectives
Where the most-relevant 1 countries stand on the core issues in play. Click through for the full country profile.
Topics & background
The background behind each topic and the actors that shape it.
The Evolution and Fragmentation of International Law
Key players
United StatesArchitect of the postwar legal order but a selective participant in ICC, UNCLOS, and ICJ jurisdiction.
ChinaPromotes a state-sovereignty-centered reading of international law and alternative institutions.
RussiaPermanent Security Council member whose Ukraine invasion has tested core jus ad bellum norms.
NetherlandsHost of the ICJ, ICC, and PCA; central node of international adjudication.
South AfricaLeading Global South litigator, including the genocide case against Israel at the ICJ.
GermanyActive proponent of multilateral courts, universal jurisdiction, and rules-based order reform.
Social Science in a Polarized and Data-Saturated Era
Key players
- United States
Largest producer of social science research; epicenter of methodological reform and funding debates.
United KingdomHub of policy-oriented social science via REF, ESRC, and major journals.
- China
Rapidly expanding output, with state-directed priorities and restrictions on sensitive topics.
- Germany
Anchor of European critical theory, comparative politics, and Max Planck research networks.
BrazilLeading voice in Global South sociology, inequality research, and decolonial scholarship.
IndiaMajor site of development economics, demography, and computational social research.
Reform and Contestation in Global Governance
Key players
- United States
Dominant shareholder in Bretton Woods institutions; contested guarantor of the liberal order.
- China
Promoter of alternative architectures (AIIB, BRI, Global Development Initiative) and UN reform from within.
- India
Self-styled voice of the Global South; G20 2023 presidency framed reform agenda.
- Brazil
BRICS+ leader pushing IMF/UNSC reform and sustainable development financing.
FranceP5 member backing UNSC enlargement and climate-debt summits (Paris Pact for People and Planet).
- South Africa
G20 2025 host; bridges African Union priorities into global reform debates.
Interdisciplinary Research: Bridging Law, Social Science, and Policy
Key players
- United States
Hosts the largest concentration of interdisciplinary centers and NSF-funded convergence research.
- United Kingdom
UKRI's cross-council programs and law-and-society tradition anchor European interdisciplinarity.
- Germany
Max Planck Institutes model long-horizon, cross-disciplinary basic research.
- Netherlands
Major hub for law-and-development, governance studies, and open science policy.
SingaporeStrategic investor in interdisciplinary AI, law, and public policy research at NUS and NTU.
- China
Rapidly scaling interdisciplinary STEM-social-science programs under state research priorities.
Resources
News, lessons, and country profiles to prep for BiennialConference on International Law and Social Science.
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