International Law and Governance

Research on international law includes projects on human rights law and armed conflict, China and the international human rights system and corporate responsibility for human rights violations.

Work in this area explores the role of international law in preventing conflict and regulating its conduct, delivering international criminal justice, and responding to the needs of refugees, stateless and others displaced across borders.

A major programmatic focus of this work for Chatham House is carried out by the International Law Programme and its projects.

A boat carrying migrants approaches shore after making the crossing from Turkey to the Greek island of Lesbos in November 2015. Photo: Getty Images.

Migration Deals Risk Undermining Global Refugee Protection

While some aspects of agreements like that between the EU and Turkey reflect a genuine effort to cooperate in addressing the needs of refugees, other elements risk undermining the very essence of the global refugee protection regime, writes Amanda Gray Meral.

A staff member at the UK National Cyber Security Centre in London. Photo: Getty Images.

Offensive Cyberattacks Would Need to Balance Lawful Deterrence and the Risks of Escalation

A government contemplating the use of offensive cyber operations will need to consider the precedents – and the lack of them, write Joyce Hakmeh and Harriet Moynihan.

A Filipino fisherman operates around Scarborough Shoal, South China Sea, near a Chinese coast guard ship on 13 December 2016. Photo: The Asahi Shimbun via Getty Images.

China’s Evolving Approach to International Dispute Settlement

Despite its refusal to participate in the South China Sea arbitration, China’s attitude towards international dispute settlement is evolving towards greater acceptance and engagement in other contexts, writes Harriet Moynihan.

Explore International Law and Governance