Event information

7 October 2024, 18:30-20:00
Register start 7 August 2024
Register end 7 October 2024

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Book Launch - International Law and the Principle of Non-Intervention: History, Theory, and Interactions with Other Principles

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Cover page of the book Cover page of the book

The principle of non-intervention is one of the most venerable principles of international law. Although not expressly mentioned in the Charter of the United Nations, at least as an inter-state prohibition, the principle currently appears in a plethora of treaties and UN General Assembly resolutions and has been invoked by states of all geographical and political denominations. Despite this, the determination of its exact content has remained an enigma.

In his new book, International Law and the Principle of Non-Intervention: History, Theory, and Interactions with Other Principles, Marco Roscini solves this enigma by exploring what constitutes an 'intervention' in international law and when interventions are unlawful. These questions are approached from three different perspectives: historical, theoretical, and systemic. Through a comprehensive survey of primary documents and of over 200 cases of intervention from the mid-18th century to the present day, as well as an extensive literature search, the book provides an in-depth analysis of the principle of non-intervention which links it to fundamental notions of international law, including sovereignty, use of force, self-determination, and human rights protection.

In this book launch, Professor Roscini will discuss his book’s main findings with leading experts, including the key legal questions regarding how the principle of non-intervention formed and developed, what it protects, and the contemporary challenges that it faces, including its application in cyberspace.

Marco Roscini is a Professor of International Law at the University of Westminster and Swiss Chair of International Humanitarian Law at the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights. The book is published by Oxford University Press, and based on a research project funded by the Fritz Thyssen Foundation with contributions from the Geneva Academy.

Moderator

  • Paola Gaeta, ad interim Director of the Geneva Academy

Panelists

  • Marco Roscini, Swiss IHL Chair, Geneva Academy; Professor of International Law, University of Westminster
  • Elisabetta Fiocchi Malaspina, Associate Professor of Legal History, University of Zurich
  • Andrew Clapham, Professor of International Law, Graduate Institute and Geneva Academy Faculty Member
  • Russell Buchan, Professor of International Law, University of Reading

Drinks

This event will be followed by drinks.

Disclaimer

This event may be filmed, recorded and/or photographed on behalf of the Geneva Academy. The Geneva Academy may use these recordings and photographs for internal and external communications for information, teaching and research purposes, and/or promotion and illustration through its various media channels (website, social media, newsletters, annual report, etc.).

By participating in this event, you are agreeing to the possibility of appearing in the aforementioned films, recordings and photographs, and their subsequent use by the Geneva Academy.

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