Call for Papers for Junior Scholars: Peace and Constitutions

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IACL Type-B Roundtable

University of Aegean, Lesbos, 4-5 July 2025

Conference Subject

This 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.

This call for papers is exclusively for junior scholars for the 3rd Panel of the conference, entitled “Solidarity: the role of civil society in the promotion of peace within and among the states”.

Preferential Topics to be Addressed (indicatively, not exclusively):

  1. foundation of state obligations related to peace and solidarity in constitutions;

  2. constitutional constraints for migration and security policies related to solidarity and peace;

  3. the role of civil society in so-called “people’s diplomacy”;

  4. concrete examples of solidarity in societal issues, such as migration, equality, diversity

Eligibility

The conveners encourage submissions from both PhD candidates and young scholars (post-docs; research fellows, assistant professors…) at the early stage of their academic careers (within 7 years from the accomplishment of their PhD). 

To Submit an Abstract

Interested scholars are invited to submit a CV and an abstract no longer than 500 words by April, 27 2025 to Professor Selin Esen at selin.esen71 [at] gmail.com or to Professor George Katrougalos at gkatroug [at] sp.duth.gr (please use “Call for papers - Peace and Constitutions Roundtable” as the subject line of your e-mail).

Applicants will be notified by May 11, 2025.

Registration, Travels and Lodging

There is no cost to participate in the conference. The Aegean University will offer accommodation to participants at its students’ dormitories. Paper presenters are responsible for their own travel, food and incidental expenses.

Conveners: Greek Association of Constitutional Law, Aegean University (Greece) and Ankara University (Turkey)

Venue: University of Aegean, Lesbos, Greece, with hybrid sessions

Language: English, Greek and Turkish.