International Law and the Challenge of Populism explores the way we think about the relationship between international law and contemporary forms of populism.
Commonly, the rise of populism – especially contemporary right-wing nativist forms – is seen as posing a challenge to existing conceptions of world order and as a threat to international law and institutions. This form of populism has largely been understood as a political phenomenon external to international law, which has effects on international law.
This project is particularly interested in examining how contemporary rise of populism may be understood as an effect of international law, and of the practices of institutionalized global ordering over at least the last 70 years.
From this point of departure, we can think about the responsibility of international law for populism, and begin to develop conceptual tools and strategies for engagement with its reactionary and emancipatory forms. We are seeking participation from scholars from the disciplines of law, history, politics, philosophy and international relations, through which we will establish and build on a vibrant international research network.
International Law and the Challenge of Populism is funded by an Australian Research Council Discovery Grant (2020- 2024).