International law is often invoked as the answer to international crises. In theory, the international legal system regulates interstate behaviour as well as some activities of states within their territory, such as the protection of human rights. Yet, as enforcement is a constant challenge for international law, it is sometimes dismissed as a toothless tiger.

This lecture will consider the role of the International Court of Justice in the development of international law. The Court, established almost 80 years ago, is at its busiest ever point, reflecting the hopes of the international community. But can the Court’s work allay fears about the capacity of international law to influence international events ?

Hilary Charlesworth is an Australian international lawyer. She has been a Judge at the International Court of Justice since November 2021 and Professor of Law at the University of Melbourne, as well as Professor Emeritus at the Australian National University.

Professor Charlesworth will receive the Edgar de Picciotto International Prize after Michael Sandel, Saskia Sassen, Joan Wallach Scott, Paul Krugman, Saul Friedländer, and Amartya Sen. This Prize awarded every two years was created as a tribute and token of thanks to the late Edgar de Picciotto whose generous donation enabled the Institute to finance a considerable part of the Edgar and Danièle de Picciotto Student House.

This lecture will be introduced by Marie-Laure Salles, Director, and moderated by Nico Krisch, Professor of International Law and Head of the Department of International Law at the Geneva Graduate Institute.

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