Who can propose a new order of peace for the world today? In the face of rampant war scenarios, a relaunch of international law is more urgent than ever.
The BRICS+ bloc—encompassing Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and an expanding roster of partner nations—represents a significant shift in global power dynamics. As traditional Western-led institutions face mounting criticism, the BRICS+ nations are increasingly positioning themselves as alternative architects of international governance.
This transformation raises fundamental questions about the future of international law:
- Can BRICS+ establish a multipolar legal framework that respects diverse legal traditions?
- How will the expansion of the bloc affect global trade and investment law?
- What role will BRICS+ institutions play in dispute resolution and arbitration?
- Will new BRICS+ legal initiatives challenge or complement existing international law?
At the IUC, we approach these questions through the lens of critical legal studies, examining how power structures shape legal regimes and how emerging economies are reimagining the rules of global engagement.
The "disorder" in our title is intentional—acknowledging that we live in an era of transition, where old certainties are crumbling and new paradigms are yet to fully form. This moment of flux presents both challenges and opportunities for scholars and practitioners of international law.