International Conference on Law and Political Science (ICLPS)
The International Conference on Law and Political Science (ICLPS) is an academic event dedicated to exploring the intricate relationship between legal systems and political processes. Held in Beirut, LBN, the conference serves as a platform for scholars, researchers, and practitioners to present new findings, exchange ideas, and discuss contemporary issues at the nexus of law and political science. The event fosters interdisciplinary dialogue, aiming to advance understanding of how legal frameworks shape political behavior and how political forces influence legal development.
Committees & topics
Why it matters
Understanding the interplay between law and political science is crucial for effective governance, international relations, and societal development. This conference provides a vital forum for dissecting complex global challenges through a dual lens, offering insights into how legal instruments can be leveraged for political stability and how political realities impact the enforcement and evolution of law. The discussions at ICLPS contribute to a more nuanced comprehension of policy-making, human rights, and justice systems in diverse contexts.
The location of the conference in Beirut, LBN, adds a significant dimension to the discussions. As a city with a rich and complex history at the crossroads of various cultures and political influences, Beirut offers a unique backdrop for examining legal and political issues. Participants can draw upon the region's experiences to inform their research and perspectives, enriching the academic discourse with real-world relevance and diverse viewpoints. This geographical context underscores the importance of considering local specificities when analyzing global legal and political phenomena.
How to prepare
For those preparing to engage with the themes of the ICLPS, a robust understanding of both legal theory and political science methodologies is essential. Participants should consider how different legal traditions interact with various political systems, and be prepared to discuss case studies that highlight these dynamics. Reviewing concepts such as "political science" and "international covenant on civil and political rights" from the Model Diplomat glossary can provide a foundational understanding.
Effective participation will also benefit from an exploration of stakeholder dynamics within legal and political contexts. Lessons such as "what-is-stakeholder-mapping" and "hidden-stakeholders" can offer valuable frameworks for analyzing the diverse actors involved in shaping legal and political outcomes. Furthermore, considering "engagement-strategies" will be beneficial for understanding how different groups influence policy and law. Preparing to discuss specific examples where legal and political forces have converged or diverged will enhance contributions to the conference.
Country perspectives
Where the most-relevant 5 countries stand on the core issues in play. Click through for the full country profile.
LebanonHost nation with a complex legal and political history, offering a unique regional perspective on conference themes.
Role in topic
As the host country, LBN provides a significant contextual backdrop for discussions on law and political science, given its historical and ongoing challenges in governance, legal reform, and regional political dynamics. Its experiences can serve as compelling case studies for conference participants.
United StatesMajor global actor whose legal and political systems influence international norms.
Role in topic
The legal and political frameworks of the USA, including its constitutional law and democratic processes, often serve as benchmarks or points of comparison in international legal and political discourse. Its foreign policy and legal precedents have broad global implications.
ChinaEmerging global power with a distinct legal-political model and growing international influence.
Role in topic
CHN's unique blend of legal and political systems, characterized by a one-party state and rapidly developing legal infrastructure, presents an important case study for understanding alternative models of governance and their impact on international law and political relations.
RussiaSignificant geopolitical player with a distinct legal tradition and assertive foreign policy.
Role in topic
RUS's legal system and political structure, often viewed through the lens of its historical development and current geopolitical strategies, offer a critical perspective on the relationship between state power, law, and international affairs. Discussions may focus on sovereignty, human rights, and international legal compliance.
United KingdomHistorical legal and political innovator with a common law tradition and parliamentary democracy.
Role in topic
The GBR's common law system and parliamentary democracy have profoundly influenced legal and political thought globally. Its experiences with constitutional evolution, human rights, and international legal obligations provide valuable insights for comparative studies in law and political science.
Topics & background
The background behind each topic and the actors that shape it.
The Evolving Architecture of International Law
Key players
- United States
Architect of the post-1945 legal order but selective participant, having declined to ratify the Rome Statute and UNCLOS.
NetherlandsHost state to the ICJ, ICC, and Permanent Court of Arbitration, central to the international legal infrastructure.
- Russia
Permanent Security Council member challenging Western interpretations of international law, subject to ICC arrest warrant and ICJ proceedings on Ukraine.
- China
Major power advancing alternative readings of sovereignty and non-intervention, rejected the 2016 South China Sea arbitral award.
South AfricaActive litigant invoking international courts, including its ICJ genocide case concerning Gaza, shaping Global South engagement with the system.
- United Kingdom
Influential common-law jurisdiction and P5 member shaping treaty negotiation, arbitration, and human rights jurisprudence.
Political Science and the Crisis of Democratic Governance
Key players
- United States
Reference case for both democratic resilience and polarization, and a leading exporter of democracy-promotion programs.
- China
Principal proponent of a state-led, single-party governance model offered as an alternative to liberal democracy.
- Russia
Leading practitioner of competitive authoritarianism and a sponsor of influence operations targeting democratic processes abroad.
IndiaWorld's largest democracy, central to debates over majoritarianism, electoral integrity, and democratic backsliding indicators.
HungaryWidely cited case study of democratic backsliding within the EU, illustrating illiberal governance inside a consolidated democracy.
BrazilMajor Global South democracy whose recent elections, judicial responses, and institutional stress tests inform comparative analysis.
Resources
News, lessons, and country profiles to prep for International Conference on Law and Political Science (ICLPS).
Lessons
Bite-sized lessons to build the basics
Courses
Guided courses that go deeper on the topic