Centre Projects and Events
Constitutional Theory
This project explores the nature of constitutional theory the 21st century. It addresses the question of whether or not the rule of law is an adequate framework by which to understand the intersection of law, politics, and economics in the current world order and how constitutional theory can contribute to a better understanding of law in domestic and global contexts.
The Global Rule of Law
The project began with a workshop on The Global Rule of Law held on 22-23 June 2011 at the University of St Andrews. The workshop was launched with an 600th lecture series: Justice Richard Goldstone . This was followed the next day with presentations by key figures in the field of law and political theory: Professor Richard Bellamy, University College London; Professor Susan Marks, London School of Economics and Political Science; Professor Neil Walker, Edinburgh University; and Professor Jeremy Waldron, Oxford University/New York University. The speakers explored the contested nature of the rule of law at the global level and sought to develop an account of how it might function more effectively.
A Global Rule of Law? (PDF, 149 KB)
Political Constitutionalism
The Centre cosponsored a workshop on Political Constitutionalism organized by Glasgow Caledonian University and held at their London Campus on 7-8 June 2012. The workshop explored the nature of political constitutionalism and will result in a publication of the selected papers in 2013.
James Wilson and Constitutionalism
The Centre has an ongoing interest in the political and legal theory of James Wilson, the St Andrews graduate, American founder, and key drafter of the American constitution. On 30 March 2012, Director Anthony F Lang, Jr presented a talk St Andrews alumni in San Francisco on the importance of Wilson’s thought both in its context and today. In 2014, Dr Lang will be speaking at a conference on Wilson’s thought to be held at the University of Pennsylvania.
James Wilson presentation: Constitutional Theory for the Modern World (PDF, 1,528 KB)
Hobbes and Law: The Past in the Present
This workshop, held at the University of St Andrews on 10 July 2013, will explore ideas of law in the work of Thomas Hobbes, both in his context and today. Rather than the precursor to Austin’s positivism, Hobbes’ theory of law puts across a much more complex understanding of law. The workshop will focus on law’s relationship to authority, justice and equity; the distinction between natural, civic, divine and international law; and meaning of obligation and punishment. Confirmed speakers include Larry May, Patricia Springborg, Tom Sorell, Alan Cromartie and Juhana Lemetti. Anyone interested in the workshop should contact the organizer, Dr Gabriella Slomp.
Constitutionalism and International Institutions
This project explores the ways in which international institution such as the United Nations system embody a constitutional political ethos. It will examine various elements of the UN system, including the Security Council, General Assembly, UN bureaucracy, and International Court of Justice for evidence of an increase (or possibly decrease) in constitutionalism at the global level. It will also explore the concept of international authority as a tool for understanding international institutions.
Hierarchy in International Relations
The first event in this area was a workshop held on 16 March 2012 focused on the work of Professor David Lake of the University of California, San Diego. The workshop, held in conjunction with the Centre for the Study of Political Violence and Terrorism, focused on Professor Lake’s scholarship on international authority. Participants spoke from a wide variety of disciplinary and geographical perspectives.
Hierarchy in International Relations? (PDF, 158 KB)
The UN Security Council as a Global Legislator
The first step in this project is a workshop The UN Security Council as a Global Legislator [link to a PDF of the workshop description]. This workshop, organized in collaboration with and funded by the UN University in Tokyo, will take place 21-22 March 2013 at the University of St Andrews. . Although designed as a global executive, recent resolutions by the Security Council point to an increase in legislative like activities. Interested parties should contact Dr Trudy Fraser of the UN University or the Centre.
Constitutionalism and International Law
This project explores the history and practice of international law through various workshops and lectures. This will range across different historical eras and geographical locations. They will seek to explore whether or international law is becoming more constitutional and what are the results of such a process.
Protecting Human Rights: Duties and Responsibilities of States and Non-State Actors
The Centre supported the University of Glasgow’s Human Rights Network conference on human rights and responsibilities 18-19 June 2012. The conference included participants from around the world, concluding with a roundtable discussion chaired by Centre Director Anthony F Lang, Jr which included participants from global civil society who are engaged in protecting human rights in conflict situations.
http://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/glasgowhumanrightsnetwork/ghrnconferencejune2012/
International Legal Theory and the Laws of War
A colloquium based on the work of Professor Larry May, Professor of Law, Political Science and Philosophy at Vanderbilt University will be held on 11 July 2013. Participants will read selections from Professor May’s work followed and have a chance to discuss with him his work on the just war tradition, international responsibility, and international legal theory. Interested parties should contact the Centre at: globcon@st-andrews.ac.uk
Constitutionalism and the Middle East
This project, directed by Drs Anthony F Lang, Jr and Michelle Burgis-Kasthala will explore the nature of constitutionalism and the rule of law in the Middle East.
The project will explore the idea that the creation of Middle East constitutional orders results from a combination of indigenous and exogenous political traditions and practices. It will focus on a range of Middle East states allowing analysis of Islamic/secular, Arab/non-Arab, colonial/non-colonial dynamics. The data will be gathered from: critical readings of constitutional histories; legal and political history; interviews with participants in revolutionary and political activities from the region; interviews with judicial officials in all four states; reviews of international legal aid projects; reviews of media and social networking sites; and consultation with experts from the region and more widely.
Constitutionalism and the Arab Uprisings
The first step in the project is an interdisciplinary workshop, Constitutionalism and the Arab Uprisings, organized in collaboration with the British School in Rome and funded by the British Academy and the Binks Trust. The workshop will take place 2-3 May 2013 at the British Academy in London. The workshop will include a keynote lecture by Professor Nathan Brown, an expert on Middle East constitutionalism at George Washington University. Interested parties should contact the Centre for more information.
Constitutionalism and the Arab Uprisings Politics and Law in a New Middle East (PDF, 82 KB)
