The AsianSIL 101

Dr Cheah W.L. (National University of Singapore) and her transitional justice class speaks with Indai Sajor based on her publication “Put Wrong on the Scafford and Truth on the Throne: The Women’s International War Crimes Tribunal” (Women’s Studies in Education, University of Toronto). Indai served as co-convener of the internationally recognized Women's International War Crimes Tribunal on Japan's Military Sexual Slavery, an international law landmark initiative that recognized sexual slavery as a crime against humanity. For a decade, she coordinated the comfort women networks of 9 countries that participated in the Tokyo Women’s Tribunal involving judges, lawyers, prosecutors, academics, activists and the comfort women. Indai has also worked with the United Nations and NGOs in countries in Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East, in different professional capacities as a development, gender and humanitarian advisor.

In this episode, Prof Mohammad Shahabuddin (University of Birmingham, UK) speaks with Dr Kalana Senaratne (University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka) on  the latter's new book titled 'Internal Self-Determination in International Law: History, Theory, and Practice' (Cambridge University Press). In this book, Kalana invites the readers to rethink the history, theory and practice of internal self-determination in a complex world. Kalana shows that it is a principle of great, but varied, potential. Internal self-determination promises democratic freedoms and autonomy to peoples; but it also represents an idea which is not historically new, and is ultimately a principle which can be promoted for different and conflicting purposes. Written in a clear and accessible style, this book will be of interest to international lawyers, state-officials, minority groups, and students of law and politics.

Dr Ilaria Zavoli (University of Leeds) speaks with Prof Surya Subedi QC (University of Leeds) about his new book, 'The Workings of Human Rights, Law and Justice: A Journey from Nepal to Nobel Nominee' (Routledge). Drawing on the personal experience of a leading international jurist, this book provides insights into the workings of international law and human rights from a global perspective that transcends the traditional divide between the West and the East, and the Global South and Global North. The work follows the author’s remarkable journey from a simple village in Nepal to becoming an international jurist acclaimed for his innovative academic and influential practical legal work and nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. It offers insights into the powers bearing on international policymaking, the dynamics of human rights negotiations with governments, and the effects of their outcomes on the lives of their citizens. While much has been written on international human rights law, this inspirational memoir casts a new light on the working of human rights, law, and justice through the eyes of a leading actor'.

Dr Maiko Meguro (University of Amsterdam) speaks with Dean Simon Chesterman (National University of Singapore) about his new book, 'We, the Robots' (Cambridge University Press). Should we regulate artificial intelligence? Can we? From self-driving cars and high-speed trading to algorithmic decision-making, the way we live, work, and play is increasingly dependent on AI systems that operate with diminishing human intervention. These fast, autonomous, and opaque machines offer great benefits – and pose significant risks. This book examines how our laws are dealing with AI, as well as what additional rules and institutions are needed – including the role that AI might play in regulating itself. Drawing on diverse technologies and examples from around the world, the book offers lessons on how to manage risk, draw red lines, and preserve the legitimacy of public authority. Though the prospect of AI pushing beyond the limits of the law may seem remote, these measures are useful now – and will be essential if it ever does.

Dr Ali Hammoudi (Postdoctoral Fellow, National University of Singapore) talks to Dr Ntina Tzouvala (Senior Lecturer, Australian National University) about her newly published book on 'Capitalism as Civilisation: A History of International' (Cambridge University Press, 2020). Ntina's book is highly praised as timely intervention in the history and theory of international law. Her book explores the dynamics between capitalism, international law, and imperialism. She argues that the standard of civilisation in international law should be approached as a historically contingent structure which reflects the contradictions inherent in a capitalist modernity. The same standard of civilisation has been used to legitimize imperialism, and further the capitalist mode of production. She illustrates how the standard of civilisation emerged in the 19th century and how it persisted throughout the history of international law from the mandate system to the present day with the so-called war on terror.

How did eastern civilisations contribute to the development of the UN Human Rights agenda? Do “Asian Values” undermine the universality of human rights? Professor Surya Subedi, QC (University of Leeds; Tanfield Chambers, London) reflects on his time as the UN Special Rapporteur for human rights in Cambodia and talks about his latest book.

Host: Dr Mavluda Sattorova, University of Liverpool

Welcome to the inaugural episode of The AsianSIL 101, an audiovisual series that will feature conversations with leading scholars of international law, working in and on Asia.  

Episode 1 features an interview of Prof Mohammad Shahabuddin about the newly published edited collection 'Bangladesh and International Law (Routledge, 2021), by Dr Mavluda Sattorova.   

Prof Shahab is a Professor of International Law & Human Rights at Birmingham Law School, while Dr Sattorova is Reader of Law at University of Liverpool.