Defending the International Rule of Law in Turbulent Times

International law is under concerted political attack but is often framed to or encountered by the public an abstract or technical subject, making it easier for populists and autocrats to dismiss it.

The Elders are launching a new campaign in defence of the international rule of law, and hope to spark a debate with the next generation of leaders on how better to uphold its principles and institutions.

This joint event with LSE seeks to reshape the global public narrative on the international rule of law. Drawing on their diverse perspectives as former heads of state, Nobel Peace laureates, human rights defenders and heads of UN institutions, the Elders will emphasise the centrality of the rule of law to tackling broader existential threats facing humanity, including the climate crisis, nuclear weapons, pandemics and unregulated Artificial Intelligence.

This is an acute question for those in power today and those who will serve in years to come. This intergenerational dialogue is the start of a wider global conversation that will run over the next twelve months.

Meet the speakers

Juan Manuel Santos is the former President of Colombia and a Nobel Peace Laureate who led complex peace negotiations, ending over 50 years of intractable armed conflict. He is currently the Chair of The Elders.

Hina Jilani is a pioneering lawyer and pro-democracy campaigner, and a leading activist in Pakistan's women's movement and international champion of human rights.

Mary Robinson is the first woman President of Ireland and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; former Chair of The Elders; a passionate advocate for gender equality, women’s participation in peace-building, human dignity and climate justice.

Ernesto Zedillo is the former President of Mexico who led profound democratic and social reforms; a renowned economist; and an advocate of multilateralism, inclusive globalisation, nuclear nonproliferation, drug policy reform and universal healthcare.

Professor Susan Marks is Professor of International Law at LSE Law School and a Fellow of the British Academy. Her work brings insights from the radical tradition to the study of international law and human rights, with research spanning democracy, poverty, terrorism, exploitation and dignity.

Professor Devika Hovell is Professor of Law at LSE Law School, specialising in international criminal law, UN Security Council practice and procedure, sanctions, international dispute resolution and the law relating to the use of force.

Meet the Chair

Professor Andrew Murray is Dean of LSE Law School and Professor of Law. His research focuses on the regulation and governance of digital environments and emerging technologies, including the relationship between technology, human rights and the rule of law.

A drinks reception will follow the event, beginning at 7.30pm.

About the Elders

The Elders was founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007 and is an independent group of global leaders working for peace, justice, human rights and a sustainable planet.

The Elders’ vision is a world where people live in peace, conscious of their common humanity and their shared responsibilities for each other, the planet and future generations; where there is universal respect for human rights; where poverty has been eliminated and people are free from fear and oppression, and able to fulfil their true potential.

The venue will be disclosed on the day of the event. Please wait for an email from law.events@lse.ac.uk.

LSE holds a wide range of events, covering many of the most controversial issues of the day, and speakers at our events may express views that cause offence. The views expressed by speakers at LSE events do not reflect the position or views of the London School of Economics and Political Science.