Reconstructing International Law: Where to Start?

Abstract This essay reflects on the European Society of International Law’s (ESIL) 20th Annual Conference held in Berlin on 11–13 September 2025, which explored the theme of ‘Reconstructing International Law’. Through the lens of the conference discussions, the essay examines the dual meaning of reconstruction – rebuilding damaged structures and re-examining historical narratives – against the backdrop of global crises such as armed conflicts, climate change and challenges to rule of law structures. It critiques the foundational flaws of international law, including its colonial legacy, and emphasizes the need for diversity and inclusivity in its institutions. The essay explores the tension between crisis management and deliberate reflection, highlighting the fragility of international law and the academic spaces that sustain it. Ultimately, it argues that reconstruction is an ongoing project, requiring both critical reflection and hope, and offers insights into the possibilities of reimagining international law within its inherent limits and contradictions.