Call for Papers: IACL Uppsala Roundtable

Roundtable

Today’s emergencies and wars 

– a challenge to international law and constitutional frameworks

Uppsala University in cooperation with the Swedish Defence College and the IACL May 4-5, 2026, Uppsala, Sweden

Call for papers

Roundtable subject matter

Legal systems frequently regulate peacetime emergencies and wars in separate  ways. Peace is often viewed as the normal situation, whereby war sorts under a  separate legal framework with distinct differences in for instance mandates for  use of force and delegations in levels for decision-making. This compartmental ized view on peace and war emphasizes a need to define under what regulatory  framework each crisis is to be handled. Although many states share the view that 

peace and war are regulated in different and distinct ways, they tend to differ  when it comes to defining how peace-time emergencies and war respectively are  regulated. This round table aims to explore constitutional challenges emanating  from hybrid warfare threats like influence operations, lawfare, sabotage and cy berattacks. Are there differences and similarities as to how states view, handle  and regulate peace time emergencies and war in the current security environ ment? 

Eligibility and topics to be addressed

Submissions are invited from senior and junior scholars in English or French.  

We especially invite junior scholars who are PhD candidates or junior scholars  within seven years of completion of their PhD (or equivalent degree) to submit  proposals for panel nr. 3 on the subject New technology and rule of law in times  of emergency and war:

In times of emergency and war, the rapid deployment of new technologies - such  as artificial intelligence, surveillance systems, cyber operations, and autonomous weapons - poses significant challenges to the rule of law. While these technol ogies can enhance security, coordination, and decision-making processes, they  also risk undermining legal norms, human rights, and accountability when used  without adequate oversight. This panel explores the complex interplay between  technological innovation and legal frameworks in times of crisis, examining if, how  and to what extent existing laws and constitutions adapt to these innovations.  The panel reflects on the challenges to find a balanced approach that safeguards  democratic principles and international legal standards, even under exceptional  circumstances, without compromising efficiency, and to find and promote mech anisms to ensure transparency, proportionality, and legal compliance in the use of  new technologies during emergencies and armed conflicts. 

Within the frame of the conference subject-matter, we welcome proposals from  senior scholars addressing the topics of primarily panel nr. 1, 2 and 4. 

Abstract submission

Applicants are required to submit their CV and abstracts in English or French (not  exceeding 500 words) by February 1, 2026 to offentlig-ratt-jur@uu.se. Please use  “RT IACL Abstract” as the subject line of your e-mail. Notifications will be sent  out by March 1, 2026. 

Cost, travel and accommodation

There is no fee for submitting papers. Selected speakers and participants bear  their own travel and accommodation costs. Coffee and lunch will be provided  during the Roundtable.