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XXI Annual Conference of The European Society of International Law
ESIL 2026 Annual Conference International Law and Conflict: An Enduring Tension? The European Society of International Law (ESIL) is delighted to announce that its 2026 Annual Conference will take place at the Faculty of Law, University of Málaga, under the overarching theme International Law and Conflict: An Enduring Tension? From its very inception, international law has been shaped by the need to address and contain conflict. While the aspiration of peaceful coexistence and cooperation among nations has remained central, today’s international order is marked by renewed tensions and systemic challenges. Political polarization, the rise of populist movements, conspiracy narratives, and radicalization are increasingly undermining multilateral institutions and eroding confidence in the international legal framework. These dynamics not only fuel confrontation between states and non-state actors but also call into question the very effectiveness and legitimacy of international law. The conference seeks to engage critically with the multiple dimensions of this enduring tension. In recent years, we have witnessed how ideological extremism and intolerance destabilize democratic societies, fueling hostile attitudes towards human rights and the rule of law. At the same time, economic and trade relations are increasingly weaponized, as illustrated by the paralysis of the WTO’s dispute settlement mechanism, the rise of unilateral sanctions, and growing frictions among the world’s major economic actors. These developments have deep repercussions for global equity, development, and the protection of vulnerable populations. The persistence of armed conflict further highlights the urgency of reassessing the role of international law. Contemporary conflicts have evolved beyond the traditional categories of interstate and civil wars to embrace hybrid, asymmetric, and polycentric forms involving a variety of actors, including terrorist groups, mercenaries, and private military companies. This changing reality strains the ability of international humanitarian law and international criminal law to adapt, leaving critical questions of accountability and enforcement unresolved. Alongside these challenges, new domains of conflict have emerged. The exponential growth of information and communication technologies, together with the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, has multiplied threats in cyberspace. Disinformation campaigns, election interference, cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, and the increasing deployment of autonomous systems in warfare all pose pressing questions for the regulation of international relations. These developments cut across every area of international law, from security and human rights to trade and environmental protection, demanding innovative legal responses and international cooperation. Against this background, the ESIL 2026 Annual Conference will provide a unique forum for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to reflect on how international law confronts conflict in its many forms. By revisiting fundamental concepts and examining contemporary crises, the conference aims to illuminate paths for reinforcing the effectiveness, legitimacy, and fairness of the international legal order. Málaga, with its long history as a crossroads of cultures and ideas, offers a fitting setting for such a conversation. The Faculty of Law at the University of Málaga looks forward to welcoming participants from around the world to engage in a rich and interdisciplinary dialogue on one of the most pressing issues of our time.
