Authoritarianism is on the rise in many parts of the world. For the third year in a row, the recently released 2020 WJP Rule of Law Index found the rule of law declining in more countries than not, particularly with respect to constraints on government authority. Dozens of recent books chronicle rising authoritarianism and question whether democracies can survive. What do these trends mean for international law and practice? In an article recently published in the American Journal of International Law, Professor Tom Ginsburg tackles this question, finding the post-Cold War period of "liberal international law" giving way to a new era in which authoritarian states promote a conception of international law designed to reinforce their rule and extend their influence. This webinar event featured a discussion with Professor Ginsburg about his findings and their implications in contemporary policy contexts, including management of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Watch the event recording below.


 

When Authoritarians Make International Law

Event Recorded May 20, 2020

Panelists:

  • Professor Tom Ginsburg, Leo Spitz Professor of International Law and Professor of Political Science, University of Chicago
  • Jacques deLisle, Stephen A. Cozen Professor of Law and Professor of Political Science and Director, Center for East Asian Studies, University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School
  • Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Senior Fellow and Director, Transatlantic Security Program, Center for a New American Security
  • Mark D. Agrast, Executive Director, American Society of International Law (moderator)
title bar

Read More

title bar
The Warsaw Principles for the Rule of Law

WARSAW, Poland – 26 June 26, 2025 – A global coalition of organizational leaders and justice advocates issued an urgent call to action today to reverse the worldwide decline in the rule of law, marked by the release of the Warsaw Principles at the conclusion of the 2025 World Justice Forum. The Warsaw Principles represent a unified front against rising authoritarian pressures and a framework for collective action to strengthen accountability.

Read More
Chief Justice Zondo accepts the World Justice Project Rule of Law Award

WARSAW, Poland – June 12, 2025 – Former South African Chief Justice Raymond Zondo was awarded the prestigious World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Award in recognition of his unwavering commitment to justice and his courageous efforts in exposing systemic corruption. The award was presented by WJP Board Vice President Judy Perry Martinez at the 2025 World Justice Forum, a global gathering of rule of law champions. Polish Minister of Justice Adam Bodnar, a prior recipient of the award in 2019, made accompanying remarks.

Read More
Adam Bodnar remarks at the World Justice Forum 2025 Opening Reception

WARSAW, Poland – 23 June, 2025 – Hundreds of global leaders, jurists, and human rights champions gathered in Warsaw—a city with a profound history in the struggle for freedom—for the opening of the 2025 World Justice Forum. The summit aims to mobilize collective action against a rising tide of authoritarianism and reverse the global rule of law recession.

Read More