Negotiating the Rule of Law: Justice in the Global South

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This conference explores justice in the Global South through debates on digital frontiers, planetary crisis, and political economy.

Abstract

The conference, ‘Negotiating the Rule of Law: Justice in the Global South’, critically examines the multifaceted crises that are challenging established legal and political orders. In an era of digital transformation, planetary emergencies and deepening socioeconomic inequalities, the traditional frameworks of justice and governance are under strain.

This event fosters interdisciplinary dialogue to explore how these intersecting pressures are negotiated. The conference is structured around three core themes. First, it will explore ‘Digital Frontiers’, scrutinising how technology is used for surveillance and control, while also investigating pathways to digital sovereignty and ‘justice-by-design’ that centre human rights and agency. It will then turn to ‘Governing the Planetary Crisis’, scaling up from global biophysical limits to national case studies on environmental governance, democratic tensions and energy transitions. Finally, it will investigate socio-economic rights, moving from a critique of international governance to local alternatives and probing systemic issues such as the privatisation of rights and corporate power.

Moving beyond diagnosis, the conference will explore ways to build resilient and inclusive conceptions of the rule of law in a multipolar world.

Language

English.

This is a free hybrid event. Registration is mandatory.

Programme

• 08.45 – 09.00

  Introduction

  Prof. Stefan Braum, University of Luxembourg

• 09.00 – 10.30

  Panel 1: Digital Frontiers: Technology, Governance and Human Rights

  Presenters:  

  • Dr. Myriam Dalal, Goldsmiths, University of London 
  • Prof. Els de Busser, University of Amsterdam 
  • Ikran Abdirahman, Founder of DIFA Consultancy  

  Mediator: Dr. Melina Anastasopoulou, University of Luxembourg  

• 10.30 – 11.00

  Coffee break

• 11.00 – 12.30

  Panel 2: Governing the Planetary Crisis: Systems, Sovereignty and Socio-Ecological Rights

  Presenters: 

  • Prof. Ralf Seppelt, University of Luxembourg
  • Prof. Samuel Spellman, Federal University of Pará 
  • Prof. Marinana Andrade e Barros, Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais

  Mediator: Dr. Felipe Costa Lima, University of Luxembourg

• 12.30 – 13.30

  Lunch break

• 13.45 – 15.15

  Panel 3: Socio-Economic Rights: The Political Economy of Justice 

  Presenters:  

  • Prof. David Howarth, University of Luxembourg 
  • Dr. Caroline Lichuma Omari, Centre for Human Rights Erlangen-Nuremberg  
  • Prof. David Hiez, University of Luxembourg 

  Mediator: Prof. Joana Mendes, University of Luxembourg 

• 15.15 – 15.45

  Closing remarks

  Prof. Stefan Braum, University of Luxembourg  

• 15.45 – 16.45

  Cocktail