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The Cambridge International Law Journal (CILJ) is inviting submissions of abstracts for consideration for presentations at its 16th Annual Conference, scheduled to take place on 22–23 April 2027 at the Faculty of Law, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.
The conference will explore the theme:
“Between Sovereignty and Solidarity: The Pursuit of Humanity’s Common Interests through International Law.”
The conference invites contributors to examine the relationship between State sovereignty, international cooperation, collective interests, accountability and the protection of humanity’s common interests.
Interested contributors must submit an abstract of 250–300 words by 31 December 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
Conference Details:
Organiser: Cambridge International Law Journal (CILJ)
Host Venue: Faculty of Law, University of Cambridge
Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom
Conference Dates: 22–23 April 2027
Subject Area: International Law
Submission Type: Abstract for Conference Presentation
Abstract Length: 250–300 Words
Submission Deadline: 31 December 2026, 23:59 GMT
Conference Theme:
“Between Sovereignty and Solidarity: The Pursuit of Humanity’s Common Interests through International Law.”
The conference seeks to examine how international law responds to the tensions between the sovereignty of individual States and the collective interests of the international community.
It will provide a forum for scholarly discussion concerning the role of international legal rules, institutions and principles in addressing challenges to international cooperation, accountability and the protection of shared global interests.
Particular attention will be given to the ability of international law to respond to emerging global challenges in an era marked by geopolitical fragmentation and disruption.
Key Areas of Exploration:
The organisers encourage contributors to explore the following broad questions:
1. State Sovereignty and Collective Interests
• How does international law navigate tensions between State sovereignty and collective interests?
• What challenges arise when national priorities intersect with international legal obligations?
2. International Cooperation
• How can international rules and institutions address challenges to cooperation between States?
• What role can international law play in protecting shared interests?
3. International Accountability
• How can international legal frameworks respond to challenges concerning accountability?
• What role do international institutions play in addressing issues of common concern?
4. Protection of Humanity’s Common Interests
• How can international law contribute to the protection of interests shared by humanity?
• How should international legal rules respond to challenges extending beyond individual States?
5. Emerging Global Challenges
• How can international law respond to new and evolving global challenges?
• What difficulties arise for international legal cooperation in an era of geopolitical fragmentation?
• How can international legal institutions respond to periods of international disruption?
Potential Research Directions:
Prospective contributors may consider research questions involving:
• Public International Law.
• State Sovereignty.
• International Cooperation.
• International Legal Institutions.
• International Accountability.
• International Human Rights Law.
• Global Governance.
• International Legal Obligations.
• Collective Interests under International Law.
• Geopolitical Fragmentation and International Legal Order.
• Emerging Challenges to International Cooperation.
Note: These are illustrative research directions based on the announced conference theme, not an exhaustive list of officially prescribed sub-themes.
Who May Consider Submitting?
The call may be of particular interest to:
✔ Law Students interested in International Law.
✔ LL.M. Students.
✔ Doctoral Researchers and Ph.D. Scholars.
✔ Legal Academicians.
✔ Public International Law Researchers.
✔ International Law Practitioners.
✔ Scholars working on International Institutions, Human Rights and Global Governance.
The announcement does not specify formal eligibility restrictions, academic qualification requirements or limitations based on professional experience.
Abstract Submission Guidelines:
Submission Type: Abstract
Required Length: 250–300 Words
Deadline: 31 December 2026
Time: 23:59 GMT
Purpose: Consideration for presentation at the 16th Annual Conference of the Cambridge International Law Journal.
Prospective contributors should ensure that their abstracts engage meaningfully with the conference theme and clearly communicate their proposed research questions and arguments.
Further procedural requirements should be checked through the official conference information.
Submission Process:
Interested contributors can submit their abstracts through the following link:
Abstract Submission Link:
Official Conference Information:
Original LinkedIn Announcement:
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7526956260454244354/
Cambridge International Law Journal — LinkedIn Page:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/cilj/posts
Conference Conveners:
Yueqiu Dong
Lara Jarsun
Conference Conveners, 16th Annual Conference of the Cambridge International Law Journal.
Important Information:
• Conference: 16th Annual Conference of the Cambridge International Law Journal.
• Venue: Faculty of Law, University of Cambridge, UK.
• Conference Dates: 22–23 April 2027.
• Theme: Between Sovereignty and Solidarity: The Pursuit of Humanity’s Common Interests through International Law.
• Abstract Length: 250–300 Words.
• Submission Deadline: 31 December 2026, 23:59 GMT.
• Submission Purpose: Consideration for Conference Presentation.
• Registration Fees: Not specified in the announcement.
• Travel Funding / Accommodation Support: Not disclosed.
• Detailed Participation Requirements: Refer to the official conference website.