The National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS), Kochi, has invited original research papers for a national seminar on Third World Approaches to International Law (TWAIL).
The seminar will be organised on the theme “Revisiting Perspectives, Reclaiming Voice, Reshaping Law.” It will bring together scholars, researchers, legal practitioners and students to examine the contribution of Third World perspectives to the development and transformation of international law.
The seminar is scheduled to take place on 12 January 2027 at the NUALS Campus in Kochi, Kerala.
Researchers and students interested in international law, human rights, decolonisation, climate justice, international institutions and Global South perspectives can submit their abstracts for consideration.
NUALS TWAIL Seminar 2027: Key Details
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organiser | National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS) |
| Seminar | National Seminar on Third World Approaches to International Law |
| Theme | “Revisiting Perspectives, Reclaiming Voice, Reshaping Law” |
| Date | 12 January 2027 |
| Venue | NUALS Campus, Kochi, Kerala |
| Abstract Deadline | 25 October 2026 |
| Full Paper Deadline | 25 November 2026 |
| Participants | Scholars, researchers, practitioners and students |
| Publication | Selected papers will be considered for publication in an edited book/journal |
| twail2027@nuals.ac.in | |
| Website | NUALS |
About the Seminar
The seminar will focus on Third World Approaches to International Law (TWAIL) and the ways in which perspectives from the Global South have contributed to debates surrounding international law.
TWAIL is an important area of critical international legal scholarship that examines the historical, political and social dimensions of international law and its relationship with Third World countries and communities.
Through the seminar, NUALS aims to provide a platform for critical discussion on the experiences, contributions and evolving perspectives of Third World approaches in the development, application and transformation of international law.
Theme of the Seminar
The theme of the seminar is:
“Revisiting Perspectives, Reclaiming Voice, Reshaping Law.”
The theme invites researchers to examine international law through perspectives that have historically received less attention in mainstream international legal discourse.
The seminar will also explore how these perspectives can contribute to contemporary debates concerning international institutions, human rights, climate justice, sovereignty and global governance.
Key Themes
The organisers have identified several areas for research and discussion.
Historical Foundations of TWAIL
Researchers can examine the historical development of Third World Approaches to International Law and the intellectual foundations of TWAIL scholarship.
Papers may explore the development of TWAIL as a field and its engagement with international legal history.
Decolonisation and the Making of International Law
Another important theme concerns decolonisation and the making of international law.
Researchers can examine how colonial histories influenced international legal institutions and principles and explore the continuing relevance of decolonisation in contemporary international law.
Sovereignty, Development and the New International Economic Order
The seminar also invites research on the relationship between sovereignty, development and the New International Economic Order (NIEO).
This theme can provide a platform for examining economic structures and international legal frameworks from Third World perspectives.
Human Rights, Self-Determination and Solidarity
Papers can also address human rights, self-determination and solidarity.
Researchers may explore these concepts through the experiences of Third World countries and communities and examine their place within international legal discourse.
TWAIL Perspectives on International Institutions
The role of international institutions is another area identified for discussion.
Researchers can examine international organisations and institutions through TWAIL perspectives, including questions concerning representation, decision-making and the distribution of power within international institutions.
Climate Justice and the Global South
The seminar will also address climate justice and the Global South.
This theme is particularly relevant to contemporary international law, given the different historical contributions to climate change and the varying impacts of climate change across countries and communities.
Criminal Justice from Third World Perspectives
Another theme concerns criminal justice from the perspectives of victims in the Third World context.
Researchers can examine international criminal justice and related legal frameworks from the perspective of affected communities and victims in Third World contexts.
Contemporary Challenges and Future Directions of TWAIL
The seminar also welcomes research examining the contemporary challenges and future directions of TWAIL.
This provides an opportunity for scholars to consider how TWAIL scholarship can engage with emerging issues in international law.
Who Can Submit?
The seminar is open to contributions from:
- Law students
- Researchers
- Legal scholars
- Academicians
- Legal practitioners
- Other scholars working on relevant interdisciplinary subjects
Students and researchers working on international law, human rights, international institutions, climate justice, development, sovereignty or related areas may find the seminar particularly relevant.
Call for Original Research Papers
NUALS is inviting original research papers for presentation at the seminar.
Authors should ensure that their submissions engage substantively with the seminar theme or one of the identified sub-themes.
The organisers are particularly interested in work that critically examines the role and contribution of Third World perspectives in shaping international law.
Abstract Submission Deadline
The deadline for submitting abstracts is:
25 October 2026
Interested participants should prepare their abstracts and submit them before the stated deadline.
Full Paper Submission
Authors whose abstracts are selected will be required to submit their full papers.
The deadline for full paper submission is:
25 November 2026
Participants should therefore keep sufficient time between abstract selection and the full paper deadline to complete their research and prepare the final paper.
Publication Opportunity
An additional opportunity is available for selected research papers.
According to the announcement, selected papers will be considered for publication in an edited book/journal.
Publication will therefore provide an opportunity for selected contributors to develop their seminar research into a published academic contribution.
Applicants should note that being selected for presentation does not by itself necessarily guarantee publication, as the announcement states that selected papers will be considered for publication.
Seminar Date and Venue
The seminar will take place on:
12 January 2027
Venue: NUALS Campus, Kochi, Kerala.
The event will provide an academic platform for discussions among students, researchers, scholars and practitioners working on questions connected with TWAIL and international law.
Important Dates at a Glance
Abstract Submission: 25 October 2026
Full Paper Submission: 25 November 2026
Seminar: 12 January 2027
Venue: NUALS Campus, Kochi, Kerala
How to Submit
Interested participants can submit their abstracts and papers through email.
Email: twail2027@nuals.ac.in
For further information about the seminar and the institution, applicants can visit:
National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS)
Participants should check the official seminar announcement for any additional submission guidelines or requirements before sending their abstracts.
Conclusion
The NUALS National Seminar on Third World Approaches to International Law (TWAIL) will provide a platform for examining international law through perspectives connected with the Global South and Third World scholarship.
With themes covering decolonisation, sovereignty, development, the New International Economic Order, human rights, self-determination, international institutions, climate justice and criminal justice, the seminar invites contributions from a broad range of legal researchers and scholars.
The abstract submission deadline is 25 October 2026, followed by the full paper deadline on 25 November 2026. The seminar will be held on 12 January 2027 at the NUALS Campus in Kochi, Kerala, with selected papers to be considered for publication in an edited book or journal.
