Where will the conference take place?

The conference will be held in Perugia, ITA.

What is the primary focus of this conference?

The conference focuses on the intersection of new technologies and international legal accountability.

Who is supporting this event?

This event is supported by the European Society of International Law (ESIL).

NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND INTERNATIONAL LEGAL ACCOUNTABILITY

Name: NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND INTERNATIONAL LEGAL ACCOUNTABILITY
Start: 2026-10-22T00:00:00Z
End: 2026-10-23T00:00:00Z
Location: Perugia

Oct 22–23, 2026Perugia, ItalyIn-person

Registration open

This conference, hosted in Perugia, ITA, will explore the complex interplay between emerging technologies and international legal accountability. It aims to address how international law can adapt to and govern advancements in technology, ensuring that new innovations do not undermine established legal frameworks or create accountability gaps. The discussions will likely delve into various technological domains and their implications for international legal norms.

Why it matters

The rapid pace of technological development presents significant challenges to international legal accountability. As new technologies emerge, they often outpace the development of regulatory frameworks, creating potential voids where accountability for harms or violations may be unclear. This conference is crucial because it brings together experts to deliberate on how existing international legal principles can be applied, or new ones developed, to address these novel challenges.

Ensuring accountability in the face of technological advancement is vital for maintaining global order and protecting human rights. Without clear legal frameworks, there is a risk of impunity for actions facilitated by new technologies, whether in warfare, surveillance, or other areas. The outcomes of such discussions can inform policymakers and legal practitioners, guiding the development of more robust and responsive international legal systems.

How to prepare

Participants should prepare by thoroughly reviewing the current state of international law as it pertains to emerging technologies. A strong understanding of foundational international legal principles, as well as an awareness of specific technological advancements and their potential impacts, will be essential. Consider how different legal traditions and national interests might shape approaches to accountability in this evolving domain.

Engaging with frameworks for understanding complex systems, such as those discussed in the lesson on "Dynamic Analysis," could be beneficial. Additionally, considering the diverse range of actors involved in technology development and deployment, as explored in "What Is Stakeholder Mapping?" and "Hidden Stakeholders," will be important for a comprehensive understanding of accountability challenges. Thinking about effective methods for influencing policy and legal development, as outlined in "Engagement Strategies," will also be valuable for those looking to contribute to solutions.

Country perspectives

Where the most-relevant 1 countries stand on the core issues in play. Click through for the full country profile.

Italy

As the host nation, ITA is likely to emphasize the importance of international cooperation in developing legal frameworks for new technologies, potentially highlighting its own contributions to international law and human rights.

Role in topic

ITA, as a member of the European Union and a significant contributor to international legal discourse, plays a role in advocating for human rights and the rule of law in the context of technological advancements. Hosting this conference in Perugia underscores its commitment to fostering dialogue on these critical issues.