The Cornell International Law Journal has announced a call for papers on the evolution of international law to accommodate increasingly potent non-state actors. One page proposals are due Oct. 5, 2011, and those selected will be notified by Oct. 20, 2011.
Terrorist organizations are able to project substantial military power, while digital communication facilitates organization among protest groups. The rising influence of non-state actors has enjoyed much academic attention in recent years, but the events of the Arab Spring focus fresh attention on this ongoing legal evolution. Possible themes might include:
–Ways in which technological developments have empowered women’s groups that were previously less influential in certain Middle Eastern cultures.
–Whether journalists have played a larger role in the Arab Spring than previous large-scale political and cultural movements, and how the law can better protect members of the press.
–Whether the law provides sufficient accountability for non-state actors such as NATO in situations like the conflict in Libya.
–The appropriate role of international groups, such as UN entities, in legal transitions within countries in the region.
–The role of multinational corporations and their duty to respect economic, social, and cultural human rights which may conflict with domestic regulations.
–A comparative analysis between the influence of non-state actors in the Arab Spring and other, analagous moments of significant regional change.
In order to encourage unique approaches to the topic, scholars are encouraged to define non-state actors creatively, potentially including journalists, rebels, protesters, new media, security alliances, NGOs, or others.
Proposals should be E-mailed to Symposium Editor Annie Eisenberg at: ame26@cornell.edu.
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