A bi-monthly International Law Podcast with your host Bram Burger, covering current events within the field of international law and providing an educational platform for specific topics and cases. Join us for two different types of podcasts, Inter Alia a casual conversation about international law & De facto, a formal interview/expose with experts in the field.
Tackling the Overflowing Caseload at the International Court of Justice
The Auxiliary Chamber is thrilled to present this brilliant new episode with Dr. Cecily Rose on: ‘Tackling the Overflowing Caseload at the International Court of Justice, can the Court match its expectations’?
In this episode, we explore the problems facing the International Court of Justice as it increasingly, receives more cases and advisory opinions, responds to critical provisional measures orders, and the expectations for the Court only rise. Dr. Cecily Rose discusses with us the process by which a Case is assessed by the court, the timelines, different mechanisms, procedures, and touches on the role of the parties themselves in creating decade-long cases. Finally, we discuss some potential solutions for the Court to shorten cases and more efficiently deal with its increasing caseload.
Dr. Cecily Rose is engaged in research, teaching, and consultancy work in the field of public international law and international dispute settlement. She currently teaches courses at Leiden Law School and holds a Ph.D. and an LL.M. in public international law from the University of Cambridge, a J.D. from Columbia Law School, and a B.A. (English) from Yale University. Prior to joining Leiden Law School, Dr. Cecily Rose worked as an associate legal officer at the International Court of Justice and as an associate legal officer at the Special Court for Sierra Leone in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and in private practice.
10/21/2024 • 43 minutes, 54 seconds
Promoting Ecojustice at the International Criminal Court - It doesn’t take armed conflict to harm the environment.
🎙️Prosecuting Environmental Harm at the International Criminal Court🎙️
The Auxiliary Chamber is thrilled to present this new brilliant episode with Omar Kausar on: ‘Promoting Ecojustice at the International Criminal Court - It doesn’t take armed conflict to harm the environment’.
In this episode, Omar Kausar shares with us his Public International Law thesis from Leiden University, diving into prosecuting environmental harm under the Rome Statute, the importance of non-international armed conflict, and the possibilities of Ecocide.
Omar Kausar holds an LLM in Public International Law from Leiden University. His research focuses on International Criminal Law, Humanitarian Law, and Human Rights Law. His LLM thesis was nominated for the Jan Brouwer thesis prize in the Netherlands.
9/20/2024 • 42 minutes, 52 seconds
An International Law Perspective on Harry Potter
The Auxiliary Chamber is thrilled to present this new episode: ‘An International Law Perspective on Harry Potter, No one is above the law, not even wizards!’
In this episode, the brilliant Dr. Frauke Heidemann shares with us her new 2024 book ‘Applying International Law to the World of Harry Potter’ as published by Springer Law. As we apply international law to the world of Harry Potter, we dive into the Wizarding States, different conflicts, and participants, and look at questions such as are the members of Dumbledore's army are child soldiers, and can the ICC hold Lord Voldemort accountable?
Dr. Frauke Heidemann holds a PhD in international law and publishes law books and novels. Her research focuses on the intersection of technological trends, privatization of warfare, and international law. I highly recommend everyone to read her amazing book, as found here: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-57571-6
8/19/2024 • 42 minutes, 55 seconds
Unlocking Digital Evidence in Domestic Law - Taking the Leiden Guidelines Forward
The Auxiliary Chamber is honored to present the second episode of its new mini-series, ‘The Application of Digitally Derived Evidence in Law’! Today we are diving into: ‘Unlocking Digital Evidence in Domestic Law - Taking the Leiden Guidelines Forward’ with the brilliant Dr. Emma Irving and Sabrina Rewald.
In today’s episode, we dive into defining Digitally Derived Evidence in Domestic Law, the Fénix Foundation, Artificial intelligence in Law, the creation of a new NGO, and some of the initial barriers to the new project.
Sabrina Rewald, JD LLM, and Dr. Emma Irving are both international legal consultants and Co-founders of the Fénix Foundation, which is a Netherlands-based non-profit with a mission to leverage advancements in Artificial Intelligence to support accountability for atrocity crimes. By embracing the potential of AI to accelerate legal research, assist legal analysis, and disseminate legal information, we aim to show that AI can play a positive role in the global fight against impunity (https://www.fenix.foundation/).
I would highly encourage everyone to also listen to the first part of this mini-series where we discussed: Unlocking Digital Evidence in International Law through the Leiden Guidelines. The Leiden Guidelines on DDE were developed at the Kalshoven-Gieskes Forum on International Humanitarian Law of Leiden University by Dr. Emma Irving and Dr. Robert Heinsch. The Guidelines can be found here: (https://leiden-guidelines.netlify.app/)
7/29/2024 • 23 minutes, 58 seconds
Unlocking Digital Evidence in International Law through the Leiden Guidelines
The Auxiliary Chamber is honored to present the first episode in its new mini-series on: ‘The Application of Digitally Derived Evidence in Law’! Today we are diving into: ‘Unlocking Digital Evidence in International Law through the Leiden Guidelines’ with the brilliant Dr. Emma Irving and Sabrina Rewald.
In today’s episode, we dive into defining what is Digitally Derived Evidence (DDE), why it is important, the origins of the DDE project, the Leiden Guidelines, and applying the Guidelines internationally. The Leiden Guidelines on DDE were developed at the Kalshoven-Gieskes Forum on International Humanitarian Law of Leiden University by Dr. Emma Irving and Dr. Robert Heinsch. The Guidelines can be found here: (https://leiden-guidelines.netlify.app/)
Sabrina Rewald, JD LLM, and Dr. Emma Irving are both international legal consultants and Co-founders of the Fénix Foundation, which is a Netherlands-based non-profit with a mission to leverage advancements in Artificial Intelligence to support accountability for atrocity crimes. By embracing the potential of AI to accelerate legal research, assist legal analysis, and disseminate legal information, we aim to show that AI can play a positive role in the global fight against impunity (https://www.fenix.foundation/).
In the next episode of the Podcast, we will continue this mini-series by presenting: Unlocking Digital Evidence in Domestic Law - Taking the Leiden Guidelines Forward.
7/5/2024 • 41 minutes, 4 seconds
A Critique of the Current Discourse on the Right of Peoples to (External) Self-Determination under International Law
The podcast is honored to present episode 31 with the Brilliant Ada! Together in this episode, we discuss her LLM thesis from Leiden University, where she will present for us: ‘A Critique of the Current Discourse on the Right of Peoples to (External) Self-Determination under International Law.’
Not to give too much away, but we will be diving into the idea concepts of Self-Determination and Peoples under International law, the academic discourse, and International law’s ‘tendency to crisis and violence’!
6/3/2024 • 49 minutes, 18 seconds
A Deep Dive into the Responsibility for Environmental Damage
The Auxiliary Chamber is honored to present the second part of the mini-series with Dr. Jason Rudall on his new book: ‘Responsibility for Environmental Damage’, published by Edward Elgar Publishing this April, in its Principles of International Environmental Law series. Part 2 of the series and Episode 30 of the Podcast dives into Dr. Rudall’s new book and explores the concepts of responsibility for Environmental Damage, climate change, litigation, and advisory opinions!
The book ‘offers a comprehensive analysis of responsibility for environmental damage under international law’ and can be found here: https://www.e-elgar.com/shop/gbp/responsibility-for-environmental-damage-9781803920702.html
Dr. Jason Rudall is currently an Assistant Professor of Public International Law at the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies of Leiden University! He has published two other books: Altruism in International Law (Cambridge University Press, 2021) and Compensation for Environmental Damage under International Law (Routledge, 2020).
5/20/2024 • 53 minutes, 32 seconds
Writing and publishing a new book on Responsibility for Environmental Damage
The Auxiliary Chamber is honored to present the first part of the mini-series with Dr. Jason Rudall on his new book: ‘Responsibility for Environmental Damage’, published by Edward Elgar Publishing this April, in its Principles of International Environmental Law series.
Part 1 of the series and Episode 29 of the Podcast dives into Dr. Rudall’s new book and explores the art and experiences of writing and publishing a new book! The new book ‘offers a comprehensive analysis of responsibility for environmental damage under international law’ and can be found here: https://www.e-elgar.com/shop/gbp/responsibility-for-environmental-damage-9781803920702.html
Dr. Jason Rudall is currently an Assistant Professor of Public International Law at the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies of Leiden University! He has published two other books: Altruism in International Law (Cambridge University Press, 2021) and Compensation for Environmental Damage under International Law (Routledge, 2020).
4/22/2024 • 42 minutes, 31 seconds
The ECHR Cases and the ICC in the Armenia and Azerbaijan crisis, and the prioritization and financing of International law
This week Part 2 of the Mini Series on the ‘International Law in Europe’s forgotten conflict, the Armenia and Azerbaijan situation’ will be released!
It’s an honor to discuss with Dr. Gurgen Petrossian, LL.M. Senior Officer for International Criminal Law at the International Nuremberg Principles Academy, as we explore together: The European Court of Human Rights Cases and the International Criminal Court in the Armenia and Azerbaijan crisis, and delve further into the prioritization and financing of International Law.
3/22/2024 • 25 minutes, 41 seconds
The Historical Conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh and the Parallel ICJ Cases Between Armenia and Azerbaijan
The Auxiliary Chamber is thrilled to share the first episode of a new mini-series with Dr. Gurgen Petrossian, Senior Officer for International Criminal Law at the International Nuremberg Principles Academy.
The series is on ‘International Law in Europe’s forgotten conflict, the Armenia and Azerbaijan situation’, and Episode 27 dives into 'The Historical Conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh and the Parallel International Court of Justice Cases Between Armenia and Azerbaijan’. Together we will discuss first the Historical background and context of the Nagorno-Karabakh region and conflict, before discussing the Parallel International Court of Justice cases between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
3/8/2024 • 45 minutes, 13 seconds
Rising PhD Researchers: Diving into the How, What, and Why of Applying and Starting a Legal PhD
The Auxiliary Chamber is thrilled and honored to announce Episode 26, “Rising PhD Researchers: Diving into the How, What, and Why of Applying and Starting a Legal PhD”!
In this episode, the Auxiliary Chamber and Bram Burger are joined by the brilliant Julia Galera Oliva and Anh Nguyen, who after graduating from Leiden University's Public International Law LLM this summer, have started their PhD journeys at the European University Institute respectively, and the University of Amsterdam.
Together, we will delve into their origin story of getting into academia, and present a short overview of each research project. Then, we dive deeper into the PhD experience, looking at; the proposal and application process, the role of a PhD researcher, and what the end goal is of a PhD. Finally, they both highlight the positives of public international law and the legal academic community, as well as rounding off our discussion by highlighting certain issues within international law and some book recommendations!
Bio of the guests:
Julia is a Ph.D. researcher at the European University Institute in Florence, Italy, whose primary focus is on Spanish imperialism in Latin America and its interplay with private entities, inquiring into the relationships between the state, private organizations, and individuals from a historical perspective.
Anh is a Ph.D. researcher in the Law and Governance of Quantum Technologies research group within the Institute for Information Law at the University of Amsterdam. Her work delves into how legal dynamics arising from the tension between innovation, geopolitical/geoeconomic competition, and responsible technological development shape, govern and construct emerging quantum technology (global) value chains.
Book Recommendations:
* The Underground Empire: Where Crime and Governments Embrace (by James Mills)
* To the Uttermost Parts of the Earth: Legal Imagination and International Power 1300–1870 (by Martti Koskenniemi)
* Imperialism, Sovereignty and the Making of International Law (by Antony Anghie)
* The Alchemy of Race and Rights: Diary of a Law Professor (by Patricia J. Williams).
* Hellfire Nation: The Politics of Sin in American History Paperback (by James A. Morone).
11/17/2023 • 57 minutes, 53 seconds
A Follow-up from within The Truth, Reconciliation and National Unity Commission in the Seychelles
Episode 25 is now live on all podcast platforms, the third installment in the series discussing The Truth, Reconciliation, and National Unity Commission in the Seychelles (TRNUC)!
As the Commission's final report has been published and provided to the Seychelles government, it is a perfect time to revisit the TRNUC and discuss its main findings, the Commission's recommendations, possible victim reparations, and the last impact. It's an honor to present this episode with Vice Chair Michael Green, who has seen the dictatorships evolution from being an Elected Member of the Governing Council of Seychelles in 1969, to now working on the TRNUC.
7/21/2023 • 41 minutes, 2 seconds
Maritime Boundary disputes, how do states and the International Court of Justice struggle in plotting maritime boundaries?
The podcast is honored to present episode 24 and the second part of the Maritime Boundary series, focussing on the interdisciplinary nature of Geoscience and International law.
Global director for Law of the Sea at Fugro Robert van de Poll and Chair in International Law Centre for Energy, Petroleum & Mineral Law and Policy (CEPMLP) - the University of Dundee and CMS Partner, Dr. Pieter Bekker. We will discuss Maritime Boundary disputes, specifically how and why do states and the International Court of Justice struggle in plotting maritime boundaries.
Further touching on the case law of the international court of justice and the new maritime boundary case between Lebanon and Israel.
The views expressed in this Podcast are solely those of the participants and not of their employers
2/10/2023 • 44 minutes, 51 seconds
The Interdisciplinary approach from GeoScience and International Law to regulating Maritime Boundaries
The Auxiliary Chamber is thrilled to announce a new upcoming interdisciplinary mini-series focussing on Maritime Boundaries, the intersection between the Law of the Sea and GeoScience.
This first part with Robert van de Poll and Dr. Pieter Bekker discusses the interdisciplinary approach to Maritime Boundaries between International law and GeoScience. Focussing on the interdisciplinary work between scientists and lawyers, the current state of maritime boundaries, and the interests of all parties.
The views expressed in this Podcast are solely those of the participants and not of their employers.
1/27/2023 • 52 minutes, 23 seconds
The extraordinary experiences leading The Truth, Reconciliation and National Unity Commission
Listen to the 2nd episode with the amazing Chairperson Gabrielle McIntyre. It was an absolute honor to discuss and dive into the extraordinary experiences leading The Truth, Reconciliation, and National Unity Commission in the Seychelles.
Having discussed the legal complexities, today we spend more time looking at the personal aspects and challenges faced by the Commission.
I cannot recommend highly enough for everyone to listen to this incredible story!
12/16/2022 • 45 minutes, 9 seconds
A Legal Exposé on The Truth, Reconciliation and National Unity Commission in the Seychelles.
Part 1 of the new short series with Gabrielle McIntyre is now live! It is a great honor to discuss and learn more about the incredible story that is The TRNUC. Together we dive into the history of the Seychelles, the Commission’s creation and mandate, how to provide unity and reconciliation, the legal complexities, and lastly we discuss the controversial topic of providing amnesty.
As the Commission's final report is almost published, there is never a better time than to dive into the incredibly hard work, time, and legal reasoning that went into the Commission.
12/2/2022 • 37 minutes
Climate Justice through the new Russian Climate Case and COP27
In Episode 20, with climate change front and center at COP27, we are going to dive with international legal Experts Maud Sarliève, into the current state of climate litigation, the first Russian climate limitation case, and the implications of climate litigation within European courts!
Maud Sarliève Op-Ed on The Russian Climate case: https://www.justiceinfo.net/en/108576-cop-27-russian-activists-dare-take-kremlin-court.html
11/11/2022 • 29 minutes, 49 seconds
A Conversation from within the US Navy on International Law and the Law of the Sea
It is an honor to present today's episode of the Podcast, offering a perspective from within the US Navy on International Law and the Law of the Sea with Commander and Professor Mike Layne. The Episode is out on all podcast platforms!
10/21/2022 • 40 minutes, 13 seconds
The life and experiences of a lawyer practicing public international law.
In episode 18 and Part 2 of the series with International Lawyers Florentine Vos and Gunjan Sharma from Volterra Fietta, we discuss practicing International Law at the International Court of Justice (The DRC v. Uganda case), the differences with the academic International law discipline, and favourite cases/horror stories!
6/3/2022 • 31 minutes, 8 seconds
The Law and Disputes Surrounding Deep Seabed and Outer Space Mining
Part 1 of the series with Florentine Vos and Gunjan Sharma from Volterra Fietta.
From one extreme to the next, we discuss resource extraction and mining down in the deep seabed, governed by UNCLOS and the International Seabed Authority, too, potential resource extraction in outer space governed by Public International Law. With the demand for resources only increasing and the stakes for nations rising, both Gunjan and Florentine stand at the forefront with Volterra Fietta of expertise, cases, and international dispute settlement!
Listen to their expertise, experiences, and thoughts in this new episode!
5/20/2022 • 31 minutes, 30 seconds
International Law through the eyes of an Embassy and its Ambassador
The podcast is thrilled to present the first episode of a new mini-series! Stepping outside of the academic law books, branching out into how different fields and disciplines use International law.
In Episode 16, we discuss with Ambassador Jeroen Verheul in Ghana, the major differences he experienced between the study and practical usage of international law. After this, we look at how embassies and by extension an ambassador is impacted and influences the creation of, International law, finishing with his thoughts on the current critical point in the struggle between power politics and International law?
4/8/2022 • 42 minutes, 47 seconds
Untangling the very large International Law and Political Responses to the Russian Invasion of Ukraine
A discussion with Dr. Vivek Bhatt, Untangling International Law’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine! Looking at; applicable frameworks, discourse surrounding legal responses, and finally, the roles of the media, politicians, and the history of IL.
3/25/2022 • 50 minutes, 29 seconds
Doing Justice to History and the Art of Publishing within International Law
In this episode, it is an honor to discuss with Dr. Barrie Sander, who not only explains the academic content of his new book but also the very personal human side of his PhD and publishing journey within International Law.
12/17/2021 • 38 minutes, 19 seconds
Climate Change under the Arctic Council
In this special edition of the podcast, Akshaj Garg interviews me on my Arctic International Environmental Law research, Looking at possibilities and challenges of International Environmental Law and climate change within the Arctic Council as the region's legal regime
12/3/2021 • 31 minutes, 20 seconds
People with Disabilities in Armed Conflict, The Forgotten Victims
This week's episode is focused on a critically understudied aspect of both IHL and IHRL: People with Disabilities in Armed Conflict, The Forgotten Victims. This topic is presented with the brilliant Benedetta Galeazzi as she discusses her research. We dive into the current theories and models that underpin disability studies, the application of International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law, and finish by applying the legal regime to a case study!
11/19/2021 • 31 minutes, 26 seconds
The Creation and Draft Statute of the Special Court for ISIS Crimes in Kurdistan
Episode 11 is a discussion with Dr. Ebad Rouhi from the Kurdistan Center For International Law, we discuss the reasons behind the creation, impacts, and context of the Draft Statute for the Special Court for ISIS Crimes in Kurdistan.
Disclaimer: We discuss serious international crimes.
11/5/2021 • 33 minutes, 28 seconds
Part 2: For who are we creating Ecocide?
In this second part of the Ecocide Series, Noa and I discuss Ecocide with Dutch International Lawyer Fadjar Schouten-Korwa. Together we discuss Ecocide from a different bottom-up perspective, Indigenous populations, the West Papau case study, and the Congress of Nations and States.
10/22/2021 • 24 minutes, 58 seconds
Part 1: What is happening with the Crime of Ecocide?
In this first part of the Ecocide Series, Bram and Noa start to discuss Ecocide, its drafting history, and the crime of Aggression before hosting a discussion with Professor Kevin Jon Heller. Together we delve into the Independent Expert Panel’s new Ecocide Definition on Ecocide and look at whether or not the Criminal Law of the ICC, is the best path for Ecocide.
10/8/2021 • 45 minutes, 16 seconds
The Psychology of a Defense Attorney within International Criminal Law
A discussion with International defense attorney Peter Robinson, delving into the Psychology of being a defense lawyer within international criminal law and two cases of alleged wrongful convictions at the ICTR. Going deeper into how the appeals mechanisms function and what truly happens after a conviction is overturned.
10/6/2021 • 29 minutes
A Beginners Guide to Space Law
In Episode 8 it was an honor to discuss with Cris van Eijk and his passion for space law in: “A Beginners Guide to Space Law and Orbital Debris”. We talk Space Law 101, the 3 myths of space governance, and the dangers of orbital debris!
Breaking the 4th wall, we have provided some links and resources to further conceptualise our discussion on space debris:
Satellite Map: https://maps.esri.com/rc/sat2/index.html
Real-Time Model of Near-Misses in Low Earth Orbit: http://astriacss03.tacc.utexas.edu/ui/min.html
The views expressed in this episode reflect the personal capacity of all involved; therefore they do not reflect the views of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals or the United Nations in general
7/16/2021 • 31 minutes, 1 second
The crime, research, and perpetrators of Genocide
Episode 7 focuses on “The crime, research, and perpetrators of Genocide” with Genocide expert Dr. Kjell Anderson! We look through his research and perspective as a Jurist and Social Scientist studying Genocide and Perpetrators of Mass Atrocities!
6/11/2021 • 31 minutes, 26 seconds
Myanmar & Rohingya Accountability Efforts in 2021
Episode 6 of the Auxiliary Chamber is with Camilla van Thiel, graduating third year at LUC and together we discuss her thesis and offer an updated outlook on: “Myanmar & Rohingya Accountability Efforts in 2021”. Delving into three main reconciliation and justice efforts, International Courts, Universal Jurisdiction & Domestic Measures, before applying these in the new 2021 context. We must not forget about the Rohingya.
Disclaimer: We are discussing a very sensitive topic from our position as students having studied the subject, aiming to spread awareness for an issue we are passionate about. We are by no means experts but want to encourage academic debate and discussion.
5/28/2021 • 30 minutes, 55 seconds
How the Pandemic Influenced our Understanding of Data Protection and Privacy
This week's guest is Cihan Parlar, Managing Director at FIRST PRIVACY BV. Together we discuss how the Pandemic has influenced our understanding of data protection and privacy. We look at the case studies of university exam proctor programs & vaccine passports!
5/14/2021 • 26 minutes, 54 seconds
Empires on thin ice, the Antarctic treaty
A discussion with Samuel Jardine, a Historian, and Research analyst currently with London Politica. We will be discussing the 1959 Antarctic Treaty and the Antarctic governance, looking at the British historical drafting process and how this impacted the articles of the eventual treaty!
4/30/2021 • 31 minutes, 41 seconds
Social Media Accountability and Misinformation in the COVID-19 Pandemic
In the second episode of Inter Alia International Law, I discuss with Oscar Feen International Law and Social Media Accountability within the Misinformation of the COVID-19 Pandemic. We look at how individual Social Media companies are held liable and how the international human rights regime could potentially apply to social media companies.
4/2/2021 • 22 minutes, 56 seconds
The Interplay between International Law and Power Politics
Inter Alia Episode 1: A discussion between host Bram Burger and the first guest, Akshaj Garg about the interplay between International Law and Power Politics. We look at how the political theory impacts the reality of International Law and visa versa in the Syrian Civil war and the South China Sea!
3/19/2021 • 25 minutes, 11 seconds
The Introduction
Welcome to the Auxiliary Chamber, this is the first episode and could be seen as a trailer! Here I discuss who I am as host, my background, the podcast structure and future outlook