ESSAY

1. Adjudication – Peace Through Law in our Times Colloquium. On 9 – 10 May 2025, the Walther Schücking Institute for International Law at Kiel University will host a colloquium to commemorate the 150th birthday of Walther Schücking. The theme is: ‘International Adjudication – Peace Through Law in our Times’. In 1923, about a century ago, Walther Schücking sat for the first time (as judge ad hoc) on the Permanent Court of International Justice. Throughout this troubled century, many international lawyers have advocated the idea of strengthening international adjudication as a way of achieving ‘peace through law’. Today, there seems to be more international adjudication than ever before, at least at the ICJ, the Permanent Court’s successor. However, it is questionable, whether this always serves the goal of peace (or even the actual settlement of disputes) – and the rule of law. International adjudication is undoubtedly on the rise, but it is also challenged, not only by immense caseloads, but also by divergent expectations. International courts are involved in efforts to save humanity from evils such as climate change or the scourge of war. The rise of strategic litigation has implications beyond the individual case, it aims at structural change, and international courts are gaining the attention of a global public. At stake is whether the international judicial function is structurally stretched to its limits or even beyond – and how international judges can deal responsibly and wisely with the challenges. These will be the overarching questions of our colloquium. More information here. Registration is now open (until April 28, 2025).

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