news
STUDENTS & CAMPUS
24 June 2024

Celebrating Student Publications in Princeton's Journal of Public and International Affairs

Two Geneva Graduate Institute master students, Rio Otsuka and Myrto Stavridi, published articles in Princeton's Journal of Public and International Affairs (JPIA). Cyprien Fluzin, PhD Researcher in International Law and Contributing Editor to the JPIA, discusses the Institute's links to the journal and celebrates the student publications. 

"The Journal of Public and International Affairs (JPIA) is a joint publication of Princeton University's School of Public and International Affairs and the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA) of which the Institute is a member. It was established in 1990 and over time has become one of the most prominent journals in international affairs and public policy that is run by students and publishes the work of students. What is interesting about it is that it is an excellent academic publication as much as it is a unique practical learning experience for all the students involved, writers and editors alike, for whom it might be their first time taking part in a publication process. The journal's editors-in-chief are all Princeton students, but much of the rest of the editorial team comes from other APSIA schools from around the world.

For several years now, the Institute has supported the journal — and our students — by ensuring that every year one Institute-based student serves as contributing editor, which involves promoting the journal, responding to queries from students who are considering submitting, and taking an active part in its editorial process — including by traveling to Princeton University once a year to take part in the (very intense) editorial meeting where articles are selected. 

After two years in the role, I can attest to the extremely high quality of the submissions the journal receives, and the extremely demanding selection process they go through, and yet, every year, I have been delighted to see that one or several of the pieces who made the cut were authored by Graduate Institute students — which I find out only after they are selected, due to the blind review process. Over the past years, outside of Princeton, I believe the Graduate Institute is one of the APSIA schools most represented among the Journal's authors, which speaks to the excellence and ambition of our students. In retrospect, I think their pieces often stand out because of their mastery of the subject matters they write about, but also because of the uniquely international perspective they gain in Geneva. I hope this will continue, and I encourage all our students and recent alumni to consider submitting next year!"

Cyprien Fluzin



Cyprien Fluzin, PhD Researcher in International Law and Contributing Editor to Princeton University’s Journal of Public and International Affairs.

"Is the Government Ready to Take the Lead? Transition of Migration Management in Bosnia and Herzegovina" 
 

by Rio Otsuka, masters student in International and Development Studies

Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is approaching a critical tipping point as it assumes primary responsibility over migration management from the International Organization for Migration. However, few studies have examined whether the government has acquired the ability to take over this responsibility. Such an examination is crucial given the country’s turmoil since 2018, with increased migration inflows, casting doubt over the government's capabilities. Thus, my study explored the current state of migration management in BiH, both to determine whether the government has developed effective migration management capabilities as well as to highlight current migration challenges faced by BiH. Fieldwork at the Temporary Reception Center Usivak in 2023; interviews with 6 nongovernmental organisation (NGO) officers and 10 migrants in BiH; and analysis of literature and data provided by scholars, governments, international organisations, and NGOs suggest that authorities in BiH, primarily the Ministry of Security, have generally developed effective management capabilities and are ready to assume managing responsibility. Nevertheless, obstacles with providing living conditions in reception centres that meet international standards and with the implementation of coordinated responses among different institutions remain. As the transition proceeds, the Bosnian government should recognise these challenges and implement policies to address them through continued coordination with international organisations and NGOs.

Read the Article

 

The Advisory Function of the International Court of Justice: Are States Resorting to Advisory Proceedings as a “Soft” Litigation Strategy?

by Myrto Stavridi, masters student in International Law 

My paper deals with the use of advisory proceedings by states as a "soft" litigation strategy. In the last decades, there has been an increase in advisory opinions of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that relate to vital political interests directly affecting the sovereignty of states. Even though advisory opinions are not binding and do not require the consent of the states involved, advisory proceedings have been increasingly and strategically used by states and international actors as contentious proceedings in disguise. Exploring the history of the advisory function of the ICJ and its predecessor, this article argues that advisory proceedings constitute a “soft” litigation strategy and a particularly useful tool for small states or non-state entities, as it has the potential to counterbalance the inherent power disparities in the process of international bargaining by adding the authoritative voice of the ICJ to the debate. This paper connects this development to a modern tendency of states to judicialise international affairs.

Read the Article 

Recent Publications in the JPIA by Institute Students