Decolonization of International Law Note Competition

The Michigan Journal of International Law (MJIL) is pleased to announce a note competition on the decolonization of international law.  As students, we recognize that the history of international law is inextricable from the colonial and imperial projects of the 20th century. Because of this, international law has often reinforced a European or Western viewpoint. The study of such structures is largely undervalued in academic scholarship. Our competition seeks to encourage critical analysis of international law – its history, its present, and its future – and build a pipeline of scholars able to critically engage with race, ethnicity, and international power inequalities.

The competition’s boundaries are broad and could include, but are not limited to, analyses of power dynamics between the Global North and South, Third World Approaches to International Law (TWAIL) theories, focus on regional courts, or international legal trends.

The contest is open to all law students, LLMS, and recent graduates. The winner will receive $500 and an offer of publication in MJIL Volume 43. Submissions should conform to the Legal Bluebook and range between 25-35 pages or roughly 8,000-10,000 words. Submissions from people of color, LGBTQ persons, and women are particularly encouraged.

The competition will close on March 15th. Late submission will not be considered. Deliberations will take place in March and entrants will be notified by mid-April. Please submit your note, as well as your resume or CV, to mjilnotecompetition@umich.edu. Please email the same account with any questions.