1. Call for Papers: Disarmament from the Margins. As part of an AHRC-funded project ‘Disarming International Law: forgotten pasts and future possibilities on a global front line’, the organisers (Charlie Peevers, University of Glasgow and Anna Hood, Auckland Law School) are inviting submissions for a conference exploring how disarmament is envisioned, contested, and enacted beyond traditional state-centered frameworks. The conference will take place from 7 – 8 October 2025, at the Pearce Institute, Govan, Glasgow (in-person and online). They seek to highlight the contributions of marginalized actors, places, and ideas in shaping disarmament discourse and practice. To apply, send a description of your proposed contribution (around 300 words or so) and a two line bio to scottishdisarmamentproject {at} gmail(.)com by the extended deadline of 30 May 2025. They welcome diverse contributions, including academic papers, panel discussions, visual and performance art, and other non-traditional formats. Early career researchers, activists, and practitioners—particularly from the Global South—are strongly encouraged to apply. For full details of the Call for Papers see here.
Outer
The Challenge of Corporate Sovereignty in Outer Space – EJIL: Talk! – Go Health Pro
SpaceX’s Starlink project is transforming Low Earth Orbit (LEO) with an unprecedented “mega-constellation” of satellites. Originally planned for 12,000 satellites, Starlink has since expanded its ambition to 42,000 satellites – five times the number of all objects humans had ever launched into space prior to this project. This massive private deployment promises global internet coverage, but it also poses significant challenges to the international legal order governing outer space. Traditional space law frameworks, built in an era of state actors and a handful of satellites, are straining to address a scenario where a corporation effectively dominates a sizable portion of orbital traffic. The result is a growing debate on “corporate sovereignty” in space – the de facto control of orbital resources by private enterprises – and what it means for international law and global governance.