Professor Jan Klabbers Delivered the Inaugural Durham Law School Annual Lecture

Professor Klabbers is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading experts in the law of treaties and the law of international organizations. His prominent publications include International Law (CUP, 2023, 4th ed.), Virtue in Global Governance: Judgment and Discretion (CUP, 2022), Treaty Conflict and the European Union (CUP, 2009), An Introduction to International Organizations Law (CUP, 2022, 4th ed.), and The Concept of Treaty in International Law (Kluwer, 1996). He is currently leading a €2.5 million European Research Council-funded project exploring the relations between intergovernmental organizations and the private sector.

In his lecture, Professor Klabbers argued that the conventional perspective on international organizations (IOs) leaves significant gaps. He noted that IOs play a fundamental role in the global economy—both by establishing essential infrastructure and by distributing costs and benefits. Consequently, he advocated for a different analytical lens informed by political economy. Professor Klabbers provided an insightful overview of how IOs serve the global economy through both their foundational structures and their ongoing activities.

The event was opened by Dean Volker Röben and chaired by Professor Ming Du. It was well-attended by DLS staff, students, and external guests, alongside a significant online audience. Following the lecture, Professor Robert Schütze moderated a panel discussion featuring Professor Klabbers in conversation with Professor Catherine Turner and Dr Henry Jones, before the floor was opened for a general Q&A. The event concluded with a drinks reception in the Senior Common Room.