Call for papers and registration: Deadline 17 January 2025
Disregard for international legal obligations in armed conflict and situations of violence, as well as overly permissive interpretations of applicable rules, are fuelling a process of dehumanisation. Acquiescence and, at times, express support for such behaviour normalises inhumanity and pushes the threshold of tolerance ever higher. Disrespect for international law, and for the inherent humanity of all people, creates cycles of violence and impedes pathways for de-escalation. Against this background, how should the protective, restraining and stabilising effect of international law applicable in the peace and security domain be discussed and (re-)asserted? How can compliance with international law be (re-)centred in debates about peace and security? What is the pathway to good-faith adherence to international law by political actors?
The 2025 edition of the annual IPSIG Workshop seeks to facilitate a discussion between researchers, practitioners and other experts about their work pertaining to issues currently shaping international peace and security law; conversely, considering how international peace and security law is shaping current issues.
While the theme of the Workshop is intentionally broad, we also encourage submissions of papers on issues related to the interest group more broadly. We welcome a discussion of the relevant legal issues from a variety of methodological, theoretical and doctrinal perspectives.
Submission of Presentation Proposals
Those proposing presentations should submit a single Word document comprising:
- A brief abstract; and
- A brief curriculum vitae.
Please submit your proposal to the IPSIG co-chair, Netta Goussac
(netta.goussac@lexbridgelawyers.com) and the Centre for Law as Protection (law-asprotection@deakin.edu.au).
The closing date for proposals is 17 January 2025. The IPSIG Committee will endeavour to inform applicants of the outcome of their proposals within one week.
The Workshop seeks to serve as a platform for exchange and reflection. Ideas do not need to be fully formed, but may be workshopped for mutual benefit during the course of the day. There is no requirement for draft papers to be circulated ahead of the Workshop.
Arrangements and Format
The Workshop will take place on Monday 24 February 2025 at Deakin University Downtown campus, Naarm/Melbourne. While we hope speakers will be able to join us in person, arrangements can be made for online participation.
The Workshop will take the form of interactive panels, with presentations followed by a Q&A session with all Workshop participants. The program will also include an opening presentation from Professor Omar Dajani (University of the Pacific, US) on peacebuilding strategies for the Middle East, as well as a panel of Australian and New Zealand government legal advisers to discuss current events.
There is no registration or participation fee. Beverages, morning tea and lunch will be provided, as well as drinks and canapés at the end of the day.
Financial support for the Workshop has generously been provided by the Centre for Law as Protection at Deakin University.
Registration
Both those whose papers have been accepted for the Workshop, and those wanting to attend the Workshop without presenting, are asked to complete the attached registration form by 31 January 2025 so that the Workshop organisers can ensure the provision of adequate catering and facilities.
Kindly note that as space is limited, preference for in-person attendance will be given to presenters.
Financial Support
IPSIG, through the generous support of ANZSIL, is in a position to provide support to attend the Workshop to a small number of presenters who do not have access to other funding sources. Decisions on travel support grants will be made on the basis of the relevance of an applicant’s current research plus need for funding, and will also take into account inclusion and diversity, including
appropriate geographic balance (Australia/Aotearoa New Zealand). Applications for funding support may be made by those applying to give a presentation, as well as those wishing to attend the Workshop only, although priority will be given to presenters. The amount awarded to any one applicant will depend on the total number of applications received and approved: it is likely that grants amounting to a contribution towards travel and accommodation costs will be made (rather than grants covering total costs).
To apply for financial support, please address the following criteria briefly in an email addressed to Netta Goussac (netta.goussac@lexbridgelawyers.com) and the Centre for Law as Protection (law-asprotection@deakin.edu.au) or as part of your abstract submission by the submission deadline (17 January 2025):
- Stage of career;
- Need for financial support;
- Origin of proposed travel to Naarm/Melbourne;
- Whether you will incur accommodation costs;
- Any additional information you wish to share that would inform a decision taking into account inclusion and diversity.
Contact information
For any inquiries concerning the Workshop, please contact Netta Goussac at
netta.goussac@lexbridgelawyers.com or the Centre for Law as Protection at law-asprotection@deakin.edu.au.
ANZSIL International Peace and Security Interest Group
The ANZSIL International Peace and Security Interest Group (IPSIG) was established in 2014 to provide a space for those ANZSIL members who are interested in conflict, peace and security issues to connect with one another and exchange ideas. IPSIG welcomes discussions of peace and security issues from a variety of theoretical and doctrinal perspectives.
Since its inauguration in 2015, the Workshop has become IPSIG’s principal annual activity. The workshops, attended by international law academics, international law practitioners, and students, have consistently provided a forum for the discussion of research and current international peace and security issues, as well as allowing the taking stock of best practices in teaching, and public engagement on international peace and security law issues.
Deakin Centre for Law as Protection
The Deakin Centre for Law as Protection is building a scholarly community to study the idea of protection, shape policy, and develop legal tools to protect people, animals and the environment. Australia and the world experience many threats, from inequality and biased decision-making to war and hunger. The Centre for Law as Protection undertakes theoretical, doctrinal, and socio-legal research to identify what protection from these diverse threats means. We bring together scholars, policymakers, civil society and governments to develop the legal tools that protection requires.
