The  post-World  War  II  international  legal  order  has  been  built  on  the  foundations of multilateralism,   cooperation,   and   the  rule  of   law.   International   trade   and   investment, environmental  protection,  criminal  accountability, and  cross-border  governance  have  all  been developed through treaties, customary norms, and international institutions designed to regulate state conduct and advance common global interests. However, in recent years, this multilateral consensus has come under increasing strain due to a growing wave of state unilateralism—a trend in which states act independently of, or even contrary to, established international legal norms and institutional mechanisms.

Unilateralism  in international  economic  law has  become  particularly  visible.  A  notable example is the imposition of broad trade tariffs under the so-called “Liberation Day” policy by the United States in April 2025. This policy introduced sweeping import tariffs justified based on national economic security, prompting retaliatory measures and WTO complaints. While such acts are often framed as protecting national interests, they challenge the credibility and effectiveness of multilateral institutions like the World Trade Organization (WTO) and question the stability of international trade and investment regimes.

Beyond trade, unilateral action is increasingly shaping other branches of international law. Some states have unilaterally withdrawn from Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) or terminated Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) mechanisms in international investment law, citing concerns over regulatory autonomy and public interest protections. This trend has raised legal uncertainties and increased fragmentation in the investment landscape. In international climate change law, state unilateralism is reflected in instances such as the withdrawal from global environmental accords, including the United States’ past withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, or countries pursuing energy policies at odds with global emission reduction commitments. These actions erode collective environmental responsibility and hinder the enforceability of climate obligations. In international criminal law, certain powerful states have rejected or failed to cooperate with international tribunals, such as the International Criminal Court (ICC). Non-ratification, refusal to extradite suspects, and shielding of nationals from prosecution are unilateral decisions that compromise the global project of accountability for mass atrocities. In border securitisation and migration,  states have increasingly  relied  on  unilateral  and  extraterritorial  measures—such as pushbacks at sea, border walls, or third-country processing of asylum seekers—raising complex legal and ethical issues under international refugee and human rights law.

These varied manifestations of unilateralism pose serious challenges to international law’s coherence, legitimacy, and enforceability. They also reflect deeper tensions between the assertion of state sovereignty and the demand for international cooperation in addressing complex transnational issues.

This international conference is convened to critically assess the resurgence of unilateralism in the development and enforcement of international law. It examines how unilateral state practices reshape legal norms across different domains—particularly trade, investment, climate, criminal accountability, and border governance. The conference will also explore the implications of these developments for the legitimacy of international institutions, the evolution of global legal frameworks, and the prospects for renewed multilateralism in an increasingly fragmented world order.

  1. To critically examine the rise of state unilateralism in various branches of international law, including trade, investment, international criminal law, climate change law, and border governance.
  2. To analyse the legal implications of unilateral actions by states on the stability, coherence, and legitimacy of multilateral legal frameworks and international institutions.
  3. To  explore  case  studies  and  recent  developments—such  as  unilateral  tariff  regimes, withdrawal from treaties, non-cooperation with international tribunals, and extraterritorial border control  practices—as  a  basis  for understanding  contemporary  challenges to  the international legal order.
  4. To assess the compatibility of unilateral state practices with international legal principles, including sovereignty, pacta sunt servanda, non-refoulement, and common but differentiated responsibilities.
  5. To identify  the consequences of unilateralism for developing and less powerful states, especially in areas where the retreat from multilateralism exacerbates legal asymmetries and power imbalances.
  6. To propose pathways for strengthening multilateral legal responses to unilateral behaviour, including potential legal reforms, institutional innovations, and accountability and dispute resolution mechanisms.
  7. To promote cross-disciplinary and comparative perspectives on the drivers, patterns, and impacts of unilateralism in international law, fostering deeper understanding across legal subfields and regional contexts.
  8. To  facilitate  dialogue  among  academics,  policymakers,  practitioners,  and  civil  society actors regarding  the  future  of  international  law  in  an  era  of  growing  nationalist  and protectionist agendas.

The International Conference is hosted by the Department of International Law at the Faculty of Law, Universitas Islam Indonesia, in collaboration with the Indonesian Society of International Law Lecturers (ISILL) Association. The International Conference is intended to be and administered as an academic forum for all members of academia in law and legal studies around the globe. Thus, students, lecturers, professional researchers and the likes are welcome to participate.

a.   Day, Date : 15th – 18th of September 2025
b.   Time : 08.30 Western Indonesian Time (Jakarta Time) – end
c.   Venue : Auditorium on the 4th  Floor, Faculty of Law Building, Universitas Islam Indonesia, Kaliurang Street KM. 14.5, Sleman Regency, Special Region Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
  1. The Plenary Session at the International Conference will be delivered by the Speakers with varied topics related to the grand theme of the International Conference.
  2. Panel Presentation of the Selected Participants that will be divided into Chambers.
  3. ISILL Meeting
  4. Excursion
Abstract submission : 5th – 21th of July 2025
Paper Acceptance Notification (LoA) : 26th of July 2025
Payment Deadline : 6th of August 2025
Full Paper Submission : 25th of August 2025

Conference Day                                          :    15th – 18th of September 2025

  • Keynote Speaker
    • H.E. Arief Havas Oegroseno (Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Indonesia)
  • Speakers
    • Prof. I Gusti Ngurah Parikesit Widiatedja, S.H., M.Hum., LL.M., Ph.D. (Universitas Udayana)
      • Trump’s Unilateral Tariff Policy: Obliterating International Trade Law?
    • Dr. Su Wai Mon (Research Fellow, Oceans Law and Policy at the NUS Centre for International Law)
      • Unilateral Interpretation of Maritime Security Exceptions: Safeguarding Sovereignty or Undermining Legal Certainty
    • Prof. Dra. Sri Wartini, S.H., M.Hum., Ph.D. (Universitas Islam Indonesia)
      • Climate Change and State’s Unilateralism: A Critical Legal Analysis
    • Nguyen Thi Hong Yen, Ph.D. (Hanoi Law University)
      • Unfriendly State’s Unilateralism in the Development of International Law

  • Moderator
    • Ms. Nur Gemilang Mahardhika, S.H., LL.M., M.H. (Universitas Islam Indonesia)

All Indonesian lecturers of International Law (both members and non-members of ISILL), professional researchers, students, and other academics in law and legal studies worldwide.

We invite submissions on topics relating to the unilateralism movement in international law on the following international law domains, but not limited to:

  1. General International Law;
  2. International Trade Law;
  3. International Investment Law;
  4. International Law of the Sea/Maritime Law;
  5. International Environmental Law;
  6. International Human Rights Law;
  1. International Criminal Law;
  2. Defence and Security Issues Relating to International Law;

9.   Current Developments of Global Politics

Papers  can  be  submitted  through  (link  to  be provided later). Accepted papers will be announced via the participant’s corresponding email. Participants who are invited to present their paper can only do an in-person and on-site presentation; only overseas participants can opt for remote  presentation  via  Zoom  Meeting  (link  will  be  provided  later  by  our  Liaison Officers). Additionally, selected papers will be recommended for a review and publication in several reputed journals (subject to the respective review processes and may involve additional fees). Among the journals:

  1. Journal of Indonesian Legal Studies (Scopus Q1)
  2. Indonesian Journal of International Law (Scopus Q3)
  3. Brawijaya Law Journal (Scopus Q3)
  4. Prophetic Law Review (Scopus-Accredited)
  5. Lampung Journal of International Law (Scopus-Accredited)
  6. Ius Quia Iustum (SINTA 2)
  7. Padjajaran Journal of International Law (SINTA 3)
  8. Tanjungpura Law Journal (SINTA 3)
  9. Uti Possidetis: Journal of International Law (SINTA 4)
  10. Lex Renaissance (National Accredited Sinta 4)
  11. Tirtayasa Journal of International Law (SINTA 4)
  12. Mataram Journal of International Law

Respective accepted papers will receive an invoice for the Registration Fee and offers on Conference Packages which the participants may choose the one that best suits their needs, both are payable via bank transfer to the account of Fakultas Hukum UII, Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI), account number: 4444 33 2283 (Swift code: BSMDIDJA).

The estimated Registration Fee and Conference Packages are as follow:

Sidomukti Package

Ciptoning Package Kawung Package

(Conference & Excursion Only)

Parang Package

(Conference Only)

Price: Price: Price Price:
3.250.000 IDR

(200 USD)

2.250.000 IDR

(140 USD)

1.500.000 IDR

(100 USD)

400.000 IDR

(25 USD)

Facilities:

●    4d3n Accommodation at UII Hotel (Pasar Kembang Street), single room, breakfast included

●    Airport pick-up and drop-off at scheduled times

●    Transportation to and from the Hotel and Conference Venue

●    Coffee breaks and meals on Conference Day

●   Meals on Excursion Day

●    Excursion – Ullen Sentalu Museum, Merapi Lava Tour and shopping spree at Krisna

Facilities:

●    4d3n Accommodation at UII Hotel (Pasar Kembang Street), twin room, breakfast included

●    Airport pick-up and drop-off at scheduled times

●    Transportation to and from the Hotel and Conference Venue

●    Coffee breaks and meals on Conference Day

●   Meals on Excursion Day

●    Excursion – Ullen Sentalu Museum, Merapi Lava Tour and shopping spree at Krisna

Facilities:

●    No accommodation and transportation included in Kawung Package, participants are expected to cater their own needs, participants may enjoy our airport pick-up and drop-off service at scheduled times

●    Coffee breaks and meals on Conference Day

●   Meals on Excursion Day

●    Excursion – Ullen Sentalu Museum, Merapi Lava Tour and shopping spree at Krisna

Facilities:

●    No accommodation and transportation included in Parang Package, participants are expected to cater their own needs, participants may enjoy our airport pick-up and drop-off service at scheduled times

●    Excursion is not included in Parang Package

●   Coffee breaks and meals on Conference Day

The Non-Presenter Participants from various occupations are welcome to join the International Conference. No Registration fee is required. Due to limited seats, the Non-Presenter Participants should register and reserve seats through (link to be provided later).

DAILY SCHEDULE

International Conference, Call for Paper, and ISILL Annual Meeting

“International Law Under the Shadow of States’ Unilateralism: Current Development”

15st – 18th of September 2025

Day

Date Agenda

P.I.C.

1

15th of

September

2025

1.   Arrival of Participants to Yogyakarta

2.   Welcoming dinner at Lalawuh Sunda

UII Committee

2

16th of

September

2025

1.   International Conference/Plenary Session

2.   ISILL Meeting

3.   Panel Presentation of selected papers

UII and

ISILL Committee

3

17th of

September

2025

1.   Excursion

2.     Farewell dinner at Fakultas Hukum UII

UII Committee

4

18th of

September

2025

Departure of Participants

RUNDOWN

International Conference, Call for Paper, and ISILL Annual Meeting

“International Law Under the Shadow of States’ Unilateralism: Current Development”

16th of September 2025

FIRST SESSION (International Conference/Plenary Session)

Venue: Auditorium 4th Floor, Faculty of Law Universitas Islam Indonesia

No

Time Agenda

P.I.C.

1

08.00 – 08.30 Registration and Preparation Committee

2

08.30 – 09.15

Welcoming Ceremony

1.    Anthems: Indonesia Raya & Hymn of UII

2.    Recitation of the Holy Quran

3.    Implementation Report from the Head of Committee

4.   Welcoming Speech from the Dean of the Faculty of

Law Universitas Islam Indonesia

5.   Opening Speech from the Chancellor of Universitas

Islam Indonesia

Host

3

09.15 – 09.30 Traditional Saman Dance Performance

4

09.30 – 09.55 Keynote Speech:

H.E. Arief Havas Oegroseno,

Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Indonesia

5

09.55 – 10.00 Photo session

6

10.00 – 11.00

International Conference (Plenary Session)

1.    Prof.   I   Gusti   Ngurah   Parikesit   Widiatedja,   S.H., M.Hum., LL.M., Ph.D. (15 min.)

2.   Nguyen Thi Hong Yen, Ph.D. (15 min.)

3.    Prof. Dra. Sri Wartini, S.H., M.Hum., Ph.D. (15 min.)

4.   Dr. Su Wai Mon (15 min.)

Moderator: Nur Gemilang Mahardhika

7

11.00 – 11.30 Q & A Session

8

11.30 – 11.45 Closing for the First Session Host

SECOND SESSION

(International Call for Papers/ Panel Presentation of Selected Papers)

Chamber 1: Topic*

Facilitator: To Be Determined from ISILL or FH UII

Reviewer(s) In Charge: To Be Determined from ISILL or FH UII

Supporting Staff: To Be Determined by FH UII

Venue: Stage Room 3rd Floor West Side, Faculty of Law Buliding

No

Time Agenda

P.I.C.

1

12.30 – 13.00 Welcoming Participants and Lunch Break Committee

2

13.00 – 13.05 Opening for the Presenters Chamber

Facilitator

3

13.05 -14.00 ISILL Meeting

4

14.00 – 14.30 Opening and Preparation for the General Chamber 6 Panels

5

14.30 – 14.50 First Presentation of General Chamber

Name Affiliation Topic

6

14.50 – 15.10 Second Presentation of General Chamber

Name Affiliation Topic

7

15.10 – 15.20 Third Presentation of General Chamber

Name Affiliation Topic

8

15.20 – 15.40 Third Presentation of General Chamber

Name Affiliation Topic

9

15.40 – 16.00 Third Presentation of General Chamber

Name Affiliation Topic

8

16.00 – 16.30 Parallel Q&A and Closing for the General Chamber

*Copied for other Chamber(s)

EXCURSION

No

Time Agenda

P.I.C.

1

09.00 – 09.55 Bus ride from UII Hotel to Ullen Sentalu Museum Committee

2

09.55 – 10.10 Gather around at Ullen Sentalu Museum entrance

for ticketing and visiting rules

4

10.10 – 11.40 Ullen Sentalu Museum guided tour

5

11.40 – 11.55 Photo session

6

11.55 – 13.00 Lunch and prayer break

7

13.00 – 15.00 Merapi Lava Tour

8

15.00 – 15.30 Bus ride to Fakultas Hukum UII

9

15.30 – 16.15 Prayer break

10

16.15 – 17.30 Farewell Dinner at Fakultas Hukum UII

11

17.30 – end Bus ride to hotel and free activity

Suggested Accommodations near Faculty of Law Universitas Islam Indonesia*

Regarding the Main Venue

The Conference will be held in the Auditorium 4th Floor, Faculty of Law Building, complex of Universitas Islam Indonesia, Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Digital map and location please  click  here.

The main venue is located in Sleman Regency, around 40 minutes from Yogyakarta City.

Participants from other respected regions who use public transportation may enter the Special

Region of Yogyakarta: by train from   Yogyakarta  Station or  Lempuyangan   Station with limited. domestic flights from  Adisucipto  Airport; or by bus. The international participants are suggested to come via public transportation from the  Yogyakarta  International  Airport. Due to its location, arriving at the venue from the Yogyakarta International Airport can take around 1  hour. Please kindly consider the time of your arrival.

  1. Several Suggested Accommodations for Participants**

No.

Accommodation Name Estimate Distance from the Main Venue

Location (Link)

1.

Cakra Kembang Hotel

3 Stars Hotel

21 minutes (9,3 km) https://maps.app.goo.gl/8Cr

nPo2EsSzbmfJy6

2.

Indoluxe Hotel

4 Stars Hotel

21 minutes (10,4 km) https://maps.app.goo.gl/rDrj

2mgtm9TUo2rQ7

3.

The Alana Hotel

4 Stars Hotel

24 minutes (9,0 km) https://maps.app.goo.gl/HM

x3RjY23SSY4dC28

4.

ARTOTEL Yogyakarta

4 Stars Hotel

29 minutes (10,7 km) https://maps.app.goo.gl/zyi

wLtjko1zY2PvWA

5.

Hyatt Regency Hotel

5 Stars Hotel

25 minutes (9,1 km) https://maps.app.goo.gl/EG3  LyGUQdQVN3gWHA

*For guests, speakers and participants who opted for Kawung and Parang Conference Packages

**Participants are suggested to book their accommodation based on their own respective interests.