[Opening Academic Year] Putting the obligations to co-operate and prevent international crimes above geopolitical divides

When the International Court of Justice stressed the essential role of states' ‘obligation to co-operate’ in its advisory opinion on climate change of 23 July 2025, the pronouncement inevitably carried a deep sense of appeal for solidarity in the seas of geopolitical and military divisions, beyond the contour of climate change. While the Court's opinion can be characterised as 'historic' both in terms of processes and substantive clarity on applicable rules, such characterisation also captures the particular time and space in which the Court was placed in the summer of 2025, where rule- and science-based governmental decisions felt urgently needed. Read here the interview by the Asser Institute with four experts about the ICJ opinion.  

As the new academic year started for researchers, students, and teachers of international and European law, I cannot help acknowledging the fact that devastating wars continue in various parts of the world, with varying degrees of international attention. As a result of these wars, the start of the new academic year may not be possible for many students and faculty members. In Gaza, all universities have been physically destroyed. As Israel’s actions in relation to Gaza since 7 October 2023 strongly indicate that the legal definition of genocide under Article II of the 1948 Convention is being met (read the position paper of our colleagues of the Amsterdam Center for Criminal Justice in June 2025), I urge that the measures suggested by the Advisory Committee on Public International Law to prevent genocide be immediately implemented by the Dutch government. 

As the rules applicable to armed conflicts are violated, and the systems for the accountability of international crimes are undermined, it is true that international law in particular has been facing heavy challenges. Yet international and European law are part of the mechanisms that shape, and should shape, the decisions of governments, companies, universities, and civil society organisations. We need to continue resorting to international law and its normative strength, and analysing and engaging with how to improve them, even if changes may not be as fast as many wish.  

Asser Institute built on 60 years' experience 

The Asser Institute, as a research institute based in The Hague with extensive international outreach, is committed to facilitating further discussion on some of the contested questions of international and European law, including private international law. I have the privilege of taking up the role of the academic director since July this year, and frankly speaking, I have been impressed by the depth and range of research and educational activities that the Asser Institute delivers. This is precisely because of the collective efforts of researchers, event and project team members, communication specialists, the Asser Press team, and many other colleagues who support the Institute during this challenging time for academic institutions. 

Importantly, we offer, on the basis of in-depth research, a wide range of training programmes on international criminal law, legal aspects of counterterrorism, military AI, disarmament, sports law, business and human rights, and more. As part of our multi-year projects regarding international crimes committed in Ukraine, we will launch the 'Knowledge Hub on International Criminal Law for the Ukrainian Judiciary' in Kyiv, co-organised with the EU Advisory Mission. We are also available for tailor-made training programmes, at the request of embassies, ministries, civil society organisations, and companies. We are a relatively small group. And yet we organise or host around 40 events per year (and a lot more, depending on the year) in our fields of expertise. 

Stay tuned for more information, by signing up for a newsletter and attending our events, including the 60-year Annual Lecture on 26 November 2025 which will address climate justice. We very much look forward to engaging with participants in thinking about the future of international and European law. As an institute based in The Hague, the International City of Peace and Justice, we are committed to strengthening our national and international collaboration.  

Machiko Kanetake 
-Academic director and chairperson of the executive board T.M.C. Asser Instituut