Episode 38: Non-intervention— past, present and future

Episode 38: Non-intervention— past, present and future

Author: European Journal of International Law October 16, 2025 Duration: 50:40

Nehal Bhuta & Megan Donaldson

We see today flagrant breaches of the prohibitions on the threat or use of force, but also renewed pressure and scrutiny on a related but broader prohibition, the prohibition of intervention, forcible or otherwise. In some ways, it is this broader norm of non-intervention which presents the most deep-seated puzzles in international law and international politics. In a world of profound interdependence, when should states butt out of other states' business? Nehal Bhuta (Edinburgh) and Megan Donaldson (UCL) are joined by Marco Roscini (University of Westminster) and Frédéric Mégret (McGill University) to explore the past, present and future of this norm.

Scholarship referred to in the episode includes Marco Roscini, International Law and the Principle of Non-Intervention (2024); and Frédéric Mégret, Interference in Sovereign Affairs and the Discursive Economy of International Law (2025).


Dive into the complex and ever-evolving world of global legal frameworks with EJIL: The Podcast! Brought to you by the European Journal of International Law, this series transforms intricate legal concepts into engaging and accessible conversations. Each episode features the journal's own editors, along with contributors from its dynamic blog, EJIL: Talk!, who bring their deep expertise directly to the microphone. Rather than dry academic lectures, you'll hear thoughtful, nuanced discussions that connect the dots between international law and the pressing events shaping both global and domestic landscapes. From diplomatic tensions and human rights to trade disputes and environmental agreements, the podcast examines how legal principles are tested and applied in real time. Produced with the European Journal of International Law and supported by staff at the University of Oxford's Blavatnik School of Government, the production ensures a consistently high-quality exploration of ideas. Whether you're a legal professional, a student, or simply a curious mind trying to understand the rules that govern state interactions, this podcast offers a vital and clarifying perspective. It’s a direct line to the thinkers who are dissecting today's most challenging issues, making the often-opaque mechanics of international affairs comprehensible and relevant to our daily lives.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 44

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