Call for Papers for Special Issue

Call for Papers

Journal of Balkan Studies Special Issue: 
The Failures and Futures of International Law: Perspectives for and from Balkans

The Journal of Balkan Studies is pleased to announce a Special Issue dedicated to The Failures and Futures of International Law: Perspectives for and from Balkans. This issue aims to explore the intersection of international legal frameworks and regional developments, shedding light on historical and contemporary legal challenges from the different cases including Balkans.

Scope and Topics:
We invite contributions that examine, but are not limited to, the following themes:

International Law Theory: Analyzing how historical and ongoing colonial influences and power relations shape international legal frameworks, often perpetuating injustices rather than resolving them. Papers should examine the systemic failures of international law, especially in contexts involving the Global South. Building on decolonising global hegemonic narratives, submissions are encouraged to propose frameworks for greater epistemological inclusivity of all cultures, fairer structures, and more equitable distribution of rights and obligations.

International Law and Balkans: Drawing lessons from the Ukrainian and Palestinian conflicts that resonate with the Balkan region’s historical and current geopolitical context. This theme invites reflections on how the Balkan states and people can address the complex landscape of international law and leverage these lessons for regional peace and security.

Palestine and International Law: Investigating the effectiveness—or lack thereof—of international legal mechanisms in addressing the rights and struggles of the Palestinian people and Israeli atrocities against them. This theme encourages exploration of how international law has been applied, ignored, or manipulated in this context. 

Ukraine and International Law: Assessing the international legal response to the conflict in Ukraine, including the issues of sovereignty, territorial integrity, human rights violations, war crimes and crimes against humanity. This theme also seeks to compare and contrast the treatment of Ukraine with other conflicts, particularly Palestine, to highlight inconsistencies and biases.

Submission Guidelines:

* Submissions must be original, unpublished, and not under review elsewhere.
* Articles should adhere to the journal’s formatting and referencing style. https://balkanjournal.org/jbs/writing-rules
* The preferred language of submission is English, but articles in Turkish, Albanian, Macedonian may also be considered.
* The recommended length for full papers is 6,000–9,000 words

Important Dates:
* Submission Deadline: 15 April 2025
* Expected Publication Date: 30 June 2025 

For submission guidelines and additional information, please visit: balkanjournal.org

We look forward to receiving your contributions!
  

Guest Editor & Editorial Board
Journal of Balkan Studies