Law, War and Letter Writing: ANZSIL Seminar

Speakers: Madelaine Chiam, Monique Cormier and Anna Hood

Chair: Alison Duxbury

This online seminar will provide an opportunity for ANZSIL members and friends to engage with the authors of the prize winning article, ‘Law, War and Letter Writing’, published in (2025) 35 European Journal of International Law 577.

In ‘Law, War and Letter Writing’, Madelaine Chiam, Monique Cormier and Anna Hood highlight that when (some) international crises arise, it has become common for lawyers to respond by penning open letters that call out violations of international law and call on governments, international organizations or civil society to take a suite of actions.

Drawing on open letters that were written in the first three months of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022 and the first three months of the Israel-Gaza conflict in 2023, the authors contend that there are three main purposes embedded in these letters: advocacy, solidarity and public education. In this seminar, the authors will critically examine these purposes, consider their limits and possibilities and analyse how the letter writers seek to achieve them. They also consider whether there should be a broader array of modalities adopted in the practice of open letter-writing.

We look forward to seeing you at the seminar!

Registration is free and available on the 'register' button to the left of the screen.

You will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom link for the seminar.  If you do not receive a confirmation email, please check your junk folder.