Peace and Constitutions: Round Table of the IACL

The IACL is delighted to share the program of the Round Table “Peace and Constitutions”, co-organized by the Greek Association of Constitutional Law, Aegean University (Greece), and Ankara University (Turkey).

University of Aegean, Lesbos, 4-5 July 2025.

Venue: University of Aegean, Mitilini, Lesbos (with hybrid sessions)

Adress: Mitilini 811 00, Greece.

The conference delves into the constitutional entrenchment of peace as both a fundamental value and a guiding policy principle. While some constitutions explicitly renounce war or incorporate "peace clauses" articulating a state's commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and international cooperation, others lack such explicit provisions. In these latter cases, one should examine whether constitutional frameworks nonetheless impose restrictions on the use of force in foreign and defense policy, or establish affirmative obligations to foster peaceful relations. Furthermore, how do constitutions address internal peace, specifically concerning—but also extending beyond—principles of human dignity, equality, and the rule of law?

These questions are rendered particularly pertinent by the parallel and increasingly intertwined trends of constitutionalization of international law and internationalization of constitutional law. Moreover, given the unprecedented interconnectedness of humanity today, especially concerning distributive and recognitional justice, and considering shared global goods like sustainable development, climate crisis mitigation, poverty eradication, and pandemic preparedness, these inquiries assume even greater urgency.

The program can be found here