Module description:
The objective of this module is to explore relationships between law, society and governance from an international and comparative perspective.
The module will address some of the challenges facing contemporary societies – e.g., technological and data growth and inequality, rising poverty, socio-economic inequalities, global crime, depletion of natural resources, climate crisis, armed conflict – and explores the possibilities and limitations of law to resolve them at the national, international and transnational levels. The module considers the role of governance at this intersection between law and society, examining the processes through which state and non-state actors interact to design and/or implement legal frameworks and policies to address social challenges. In doing so, the module seeks to prompt a critical examination of the differences and similarities between law and governance, as well as the possibility of conflict and mutual reinforcement between them. It also reflects on the growing challenges facing state-centric legal regimes, such as public law or international law, in providing solutions in contexts where non-state actors are increasingly influential.
Drawing on a combination of socio-legal studies, doctrinal and governance studies, the module will examine the interactions of non-state actors, state authorities and international organisations that have a mandate over the aforementioned social challenges – e.g., the United Nations, the World Trade Organisation, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the International Labour Organisation, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, regional and international human rights bodies.