History and Theory of International Law Interest Group

The History and Theory of International Law Interest Group was established in 2020. The last few decades have witnessed a sustained growth of interest in the history and theory of international law. Empirical studies have tried to verify and/or quantify the effectiveness of international legal instruments; scholars inspired by the Third World Approaches to International Law movement have sought to historicise the discipline and uncover the continuing influence of imperialism on its doctrines; intellectual histories of international law have sought to better contextualise its development as a profession. Scholars based in Australia and Aotearoa - New Zealand have been important contributors to these debates. The significance of international legal history and theory is even more pronounced in the context of these two countries given the central role of international legal doctrines and techniques in legal and political battles surrounding settler colonialism and the ongoing negotiation of settler-Indigenous relations.

Established in 2020, the History and Theory of International Law Interest Group of ANZSIL is open to scholars who focus on the history and theory of the discipline or are interested in the ways history and theory can inform their own work. To be informed about our latest activities, please sign up via email at htil.anzsil@gmail.com. Ideas about future activities are most welcome. 

Governance

The Interest Group is co-chaired by:

• Associate Professor Amanda Alexander (Thomas Moore Law School, Australian Catholic University) (2025-2027)
• Dr Wanshu Cong (ANU Law School, Australian National University, Canberra) (2025-2027)
• Dr Kathryn Greenman (Faculty of Law, University of Technology, Sydney) (2025-2027)