From Dialogue to Action: Chairing the New ILA Study Group on International Law, Global Challenges, and the Impact of Emerging Powers on Global Governance
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I am grateful and happy to serve as Chair of the newly established ILA Study Group on:
International Law, Global Challenges, and the Impact of Emerging Powers on Global Governance
The approval of this Study Group provides a new forum for exploring a set of important and timely questions about how emerging powers are influencing international law, global governance institutions, and the evolving architecture of the international order.
How are emerging powers reshaping international law, global governance institutions, and the evolving architecture of the international order?
The establishment of this Study Group reflects a broader recognition that international law and global governance are undergoing profound transformations driven by the rise of emerging powers, increasing multipolarity, technological innovation, climate challenges, evolving forms of economic integration, shifting patterns of global governance, and growing demands for more inclusive, representative, and effective mechanisms of international cooperation.
In part, the Study Group emerged from discussions and collaborations developed through the ABILA Committee on International Law, China, and the Reconfiguration of the Global Order. While distinct in its scope, objectives, and membership, the newly approved ILA Study Group expands the conversation beyond any single country or region to address broader questions concerning emerging powers, multipolarity, international institutions, legal pluralism, Global South perspectives, sustainable development, technology and AI governance, and the evolving dynamics of international cooperation.
At a moment characterized by geopolitical transformation, technological disruption, climate challenges, shifting patterns of economic integration, and growing demands for more inclusive forms of governance, there is a pressing need for scholarly dialogue that crosses traditional disciplinary, methodological, and regional boundaries.
The Study Group seeks to bring together scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and researchers from diverse legal traditions and perspectives to explore issues including:
• International law and global governance
• Emerging powers and the transformation of international institutions
• Multipolarity and changing legal orders
• Trade, investment, and sustainable development
• Climate governance and energy transitions
• Technology, artificial intelligence, and digital governance
• Global South perspectives and South-South cooperation
• Legal pluralism and comparative approaches to governance
• International cooperation in addressing global challenges
Many of these themes also connect with my broader work on legal pluralism, comparative law, Indigenous legal orders, epistemic governance, sustainability, and the role of law in navigating complex global transformations. As international law evolves in response to new actors, new forms of authority, and competing visions of governance, there is an increasing need to engage with diverse knowledge systems and perspectives in a constructive and inclusive manner.
As we move into the constitution phase, we will soon begin organizing introductory webinars and outreach activities for colleagues interested in participating. These events will provide an opportunity to discuss the Study Group’s objectives, proposed research agenda, and opportunities for collaboration.
I am deeply grateful to Lucas Lixinski, ILA Director of Studies, for his guidance throughout the process, for his thoughtful comments and constructive feedback on the proposal, and for his invaluable support in helping bring this initiative forward.
I am also sincerely grateful to the International Law Association, the American Branch of the International Law Association (ABILA), ABILA President Michael Scharf, ABILA Directors of Studies Mortimer (Tim) Sellers and Milena Sterio, and the many colleagues whose encouragement, advice, friendship, and intellectual engagement helped transform an idea into a new international initiative.
I look forward to working with colleagues from around the world as we build a new forum for dialogue, research, and collaboration on some of the most important challenges facing international law and global governance today.
If you are interested in learning more or becoming involved, I would be delighted to hear from you.
Paolo Davide Farah, Paolo Farah
