Established in 2015, the MJIL Blog presents writing from MJIL’s Associate Editors, who come to the journal with varied and diverse interests in and experience with International Law. The Blog provides students with a robust platform to express their views on relevant and contemporary topics, with each new associate publishing at least one piece of high-quality short-form scholarship per volume.
This blog contains opinion pieces by members of the Journal’s editorial staff, academics and practitioners on issues germane to the Journal’s area of focus. The views expressed in an individual post represent the views of the post’s author only.
Feb 2022
Tyler Loveall
Vol. 43 Executive Editor
Despite long-standing economic focus on water as a resource,[1] little work exists on the effects of potential fresh-water financial instruments. In 2018, Nasdaq became the first major financial institution to launch a fresh-water price index.[2] Although related derivative contracts are yet to materialize, such derivatives are
Henry Altman
Vol. 43 Associate Editor
Founded in 2016, the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy is a powerful example of the trend of cities organizing through quasi-legal ‘soft law’ agreements to confront global issues. The proliferation of the Covenant and other similar organizations has led to international law scholars
Mary Aertker
Vol. 43 Associate Editor
Historically, scholars have examined copyright as a purely legal doctrine, devoid of racial and post-colonial undertones.[1] Only recently have scholars begun to examine the shortcomings of international copyright frameworks and impacts on systemic inequalities.[2] This post will critically examine the current governing international copyright regime—the TRIPS
Becky Maz
Vol. 43 Associate Editor
Following its hostile takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, the Taliban submitted a request to the U.N. General Assembly’s Credentials Committee (“Committee”) seeking approval for the appointment of its own delegation as a replacement for the country’s prior representation in the U.N. General Assembly.[1] In December
Nov 2021
Erin Kwiatkowski
Vol. 43 Associate Editor
For decades, sport has been utilized for its ability to affect international change. Often, sport is inextricably linked to national identity and global politics. However, one aspect infrequently discussed is the influence sport may hold in recognizing statehood for emerging entities. I believe that international recognition
Eric Gripp
Vol. 43 Associate Editor
Those most affected by climate change are being denied the right to have their voices heard. This is evident from how indigenous peoples are currently situated within the Arctic Council. The Arctic Council is an intergovernmental forum whose self-professed goal is “promoting cooperation in the Arctic.”[1]
Sara Khan
Vol. 43 Associate Editor
In 2004, Canada and the United States enacted the Canada–United States Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA), an agreement designed to manage refugee claims at the shared land border.[1] Per the terms of the agreement, a refugee who enters via a land border port of entry is
Frank Sunderland
Vol. 43 Associate Editor
In the world of professional soccer, Europe is the marquis destination for any aspiring player. It is home to the most prestigious leagues and teams, many of which are also the highest paying. However, as with many systems where there exists the possibility for massive profits, there
Susanna Korkeakivi
Vol. 43 Associate Editor
In February 2021, Spotify announced its intention to launch its service into 85 new markets across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean.[1] Although this is the company’s broadest expansion to date,[2] some may have been surprised to learn that there remained at least 85
Nina Gerdes
Vol. 43 Associate Editor
Sex workers are one of the most marginalized and stigmatized communities internationally.[1] The precarious socioeconomic status of sex workers has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.[2] The pandemic has transformed the sex work industry internationally.[3] In-person sex work has become virtually impossible and many street-based sex
Chris Miller
Vol. 43 Associate Editor
International labor law scholars and commentators have largely praised the recent efforts of the Government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam (hereinafter “Vietnam”) for its adoption of foundational labor standards promulgated by the International Labour Organization (“ILO”), particularly with respect to the freedoms to collectively
René Figueredo
Vol. 43 Associate Editor
I. Introduction
In 1948, at the Ninth International Conference of American States, held in Bogotá, Colombia, the American Treaty on Pacific Settlement (hereinafter “the Pact of Bogotá” or “the Pact”) was adopted and signed.[1] The Pact of Bogotá represents the consolidation of a framework of treaties adopted
Joshua Hasler
Vol. 43 Associate Editor
While the idea of a bustling commercial space sector once seemed like science fiction, it has become reality. Every year, more satellites are launched by national governments and private companies, and recreational flights to space are now offered by several major companies. The Outer Space Treaty[1]
Kate Rogers
Vol. 43 Associate Editor
The lack of regulation concerning artificial intelligence (“AI”) poses a risk to international peace and security, requiring the United Nations (“U.N.”) to step in and provide a framework for oversight. Recent proposals of regulation by the European Union (“EU”) provide a structure for this regulation and
Rachelle Linsenmayer
Vol. 43 Associate Editor
In recent months, Panama announced that, with the cooperation of Colombia, it plans to slow the number of migrants entering the country along its Colombian border. Although the influx of migrants in 2021 has put huge strains on Panama, limiting the flow of migrants begs the
Kushagr Bakshi
Vol. 43 Associate Editor
On October 13, Blue Origin, an aerospace company founded by Jeff Bezos, sent its second crewed mission to space,[1] which included sending actor William Shatner to boldly go[2] where no ninety-year old man had gone before (and perhaps never needed to).[3] This flight and the publicity
Dihu Wu
Vol. 43 Associate Editor
As the world continues to grapple with the effects of COVID-19, the economic downturn caused by the global pandemic has been felt especially acutely in the developing world.[1] To make matters worse, the digital revolution threatens to leave behind many of the same countries which are
Oct 2021
Paula P. Plaza
Vol. 43 Associate Editor
As global supply and demand chains expand, so do flashpoints for conflict in international business transactions.[1] One way to solve disagreements is through arbitration, which is a private form of dispute resolution decided by an impartial tribunal. By selecting this method, parties hope to wield
Eugene Tseng
Vol. 43 Associate Editor
As the world economy is shifting towards a digital-oriented business, and human activities are moving online in a wider range, the cross-border data flow becomes the essential backbone for the global economy. COVID-19 has made clear that data flows are critical to the global economy, enabling both
Erica Paul
Vol. 43 Executive Editor
When a cable car crashed in a popular destination in Northern Italy, five-year-old Eitan Biran lost his parents, his younger brother, and his great-grandparents.[1] This horrific tragedy raised questions about the safety of Italian infrastructure, and the level of improvements necessary to ensure safety. However, the