How does TWAIL open a perspective to scholars to interpret the causes and consequences of current economic, political and social challenges? What are the theoretical tools they are drawing from? What is the world they hope to build?

To grapple with these issues and more, a series on "Third World Approaches to International Law (TWAIL) conversations on current debates/crises” was launched in 2023 at the Law School of Sciences Po. 

At a moment when many of us are grappling with the unfolding horrors in Gaza and in other parts of the world, international law scholars are drawing parallels, delving into historical records, revisiting existing frames and important concepts and engaging in critical analysis to better understand, explain, and frame these injustices.

On the 18th of September 2025, the conversation is aimed to discuss empire, sub-empire and imperialism from Australia and the UK to Palestine. It is a conversation with international scholars who offer us their perspectives and insights on these issues. We have the pleasure to welcome Madelaine Chiam, Associate Professor and Deputy Dean at La Trobe Law School in Australia, Vidya Kumar, Senior Lecturer in Law and Deputy Dean for Research at SOAS Law School, University of London in the UK. The conversation will be moderated by Jean d’Aspremont and Dina Waked, Professors at Sciences Po Law School.