The ANZSIL International Peace and Security Interest Group is pleased to announce the Call for Papers for their Annual Workshop to be held at the University of Melbourne, on Thursday 11 February and Friday 12 February 2027.
International peace and security law is being tested by challenges its foundational rules were not designed to address. Climate change, emerging technologies, pandemics, transnational organised crime, cyber operations, threats in outer space and other non-traditional security challenges are reshaping how conflict arises, how force is used and who bears its costs. Where established rules are read in isolation, or interpreted too narrowly or too permissively, protection and accountability gaps emerge.
The 2027 IPSIG Workshop invites researchers, practitioners and other experts to explore these new frontiers. We ask how the protective and stabilising functions of international peace and security law can be reaffirmed and strengthened, and how that law is itself being reshaped in the process. How can compliance with international law be kept at the centre of debates on emerging threats? What legal principles, institutional mechanisms and forms of cooperation are needed to ensure international law remains capable of preventing conflict, protecting affected communities and fostering sustainable peace?
Within this broad theme, the Workshop will feature dedicated panels on two areas of particular current significance:
- Climate change: The International Court of Justice's 2025 Advisory Opinion on Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change, alongside the advisory opinions of ITLOS and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, provides an authoritative anchor for the systemic integration of climate obligations across international law. We welcome papers on what this means for peace and security law, including international humanitarian law, the jus ad bellum, displacement, and the statehood and maritime entitlements of low-lying States, not least in the Pacific.
- Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies: In contrast to climate law, the governance of military AI lacks a comparable legal anchor. The first binding AI treaty expressly excludes national security, and multilateral efforts on autonomous weapons reached a critical juncture at the November 2026 CCW Review Conference. We welcome papers on whether existing law, including IHL, State responsibility and human rights law, can adequately govern these technologies, and on the role of treaty-making, soft law and national practice.
Submissions
In addition to the identified thematic priorities, we welcome submissions on other new or non-traditional dimensions of international peace and security law, as well as on issues within the interest group's remit more broadly. Perspectives from the Asia-Pacific are particularly encouraged, and we welcome a range of doctrinal, theoretical and methodological approaches.
As well as individual presentations, we welcome proposals for full panels on any aspect of the Workshop theme.
Submissions for individual presentations or panels should include:
- Abstract (up to 300 words); and
- Biographical note (up to 200 words) for each speaker
Submissions should be emailed to ipsig@anzsil.org by no later than Tuesday 8 December 2026.
The IPSIG Committee will endeavour to inform applicants of the outcome of their proposals before Friday 18 December 2026.
Workshop Arrangements and Registration
The Workshop will take place on Thursday 11 February and Friday 12 February 2027 at the University of Melbourne. The intention is to hold an in-person event to maximise engagement and collaboration.
There is no registration or participation fee. Catering will be provided.
There is no requirement for draft papers to be circulated ahead of the Workshop.
Both those whose papers have been accepted for delivery at the Workshop, and those wanting to attend the Workshop without presenting, are asked to register their attendance using the online form by no later than Friday 8 January 2027 so that the Workshop organisers can ensure the provision of adequate catering and facilities.
Support for Early Career Researchers
Thanks to the generous support of ANZSIL, IPSIG is in a position to provide support to attend the Workshop to a small number of ECR presenters. 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). The amount awarded to any one applicant will depend on the total number of ECR submissions 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 be considered for financial support, please include in your email response to the Call for Papers details of your eligibility including:
- Stage of career;
- Need for financial support;
- Origin of proposed travel to 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 email ipsig@anzsil.org.
About IPSIG
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.
