The Auxiliary Chamber is thrilled to present the second episode of its mini-series with the brilliant Shreya Shankar on her Leiden master's thesis exploring: why do non-state armed groups comply with international law - An identity based approach. In this episode, we are going to be putting the human back into international law and exploring: The Importance of Identity and Language on the Compliance of Non-State Armed Groups. Following up from the first episode where we start to explore Shreya’s Leiden University thesis, with her unique methodology combining international law, psychology and linguistics, today we are focussing on how the concept of compliance, language, and identity. We explore how these concepts fit under psychology and intepraitonal law, its theories, and how they have been applied to non-state armed groups in the Donbas and Hezbollah. Shreya Shankar is a Tamil woman of colour, a migrant, whose journey weaves together academia, activism, and the corporate world. She has been working on a PhD that explores how identity shapes compliance with international law, and she has spent years tracing the ways stories influence justice and accountability. Her work has taken her from grassroots communities and indigenous voices to global research and teaching. Alongside this, she is building a career in the corporate sector, where she focuses on compliance and risk management with the same rigor and ethical lens. She brings to her work a deep commitment to equity, compassion, and the recognition of overlooked narratives. Her story is one of bridging worlds that often seem far apart, showing how identity and expertise can come together in transformative ways. She hopes to continue to carve spaces where human stories and institutional frameworks meet, challenging both to grow.

The Auxiliary Chamber, is thrilled to present the first episode in a new mini series with Shreya Shankar, exploring why do Non-State Armed Groups Comply with International Law? - An identity based approach In this first episode of a three-part series, we will be exploring Shreya’s unique methodology combining international law, psychology and linguistics, and largely answering questions such as: How does psychology impact the way we interpret the law? What are the legal and psychological frameworks that set out different non-state actors and compliance? How does language play a role in the definitions of non-state armed groups, and how does this impact compliance?  Shreya Shankar is a Tamil woman of colour, a migrant, whose journey weaves together academia, activism, and the corporate world. She has been working on a PhD that explores how identity shapes compliance with international law, and she has spent years tracing the ways stories influence justice and accountability. Her work has taken her from grassroots communities and indigenous voices to global research and teaching. Alongside this, she is building a career in the corporate sector, where she focuses on compliance and risk management with the same rigor and ethical lens. She brings to her work a deep commitment to equity, compassion, and the recognition of overlooked narratives. Her story is one of bridging worlds that often seem far apart, showing how identity and expertise can come together in transformative ways. She hopes to continue to carve spaces where human stories and institutional frameworks meet, challenging both to grow.

The Auxiliary Chamber is thrilled to present part two of its mini-series on United Nations Peacekeepers with Suraj Pratim Saikia. Today, we are talking about: 'Keeping the Peace, What is the role of UN Peacekeepers in the 21st Century?' In today’s brilliant episode, we discuss notably how peacekeeping has evolved over time, the modern mission and applications, how effective peacekeepers are, and explore the UN financial liquidity crisis and its impact on future and current peacekeeping missions. Suraj is an Indian qualified lawyer with an Advanced LL.M. in Public International Law from Leiden University. Specialising in Peacekeeping, Peacebuilding, International Organisations and Armed Conflict, his past work experiences include working with India’s National Security University, alongside various Ministries of the Government of India, the International Law Commission, and most recently with the United Nations’ Department of Peace Operations in New York. Keeping with his love for international organisations, he is also an Assistant Editor with the International Organisations Law Review Journal, published by Brill.

🎙️New Episode: The Misconduct and Accountability of United Nations Peacekeepers🎙️ The Auxiliary Chamber is thrilled to present part 1 of its new mini-series with Suraj Pratim Saikia on the Misconduct and Accountability of United Nations Peacekeepers. In today’s brilliant new episode we discuss; the history and legal foundations of UN peacekeepers; Suraj’s Leiden University thesis topic on Navigating Peacekeeping Limits: Accountability of the United Nations and Troop-Contributing Countries for Misconduct in Chapter VII Mandated Mission; limits of accountability under both national and international law; and finally tackling legal issues and barriers for victims seeking justice. Suraj is an Indian qualified lawyer with an Advanced LL.M. in Public International Law from Leiden University. Specialising in Peacekeeping, Peacebuilding, International Organisations and Armed Conflict, his past work experiences include working with India’s National Security University, alongside various Ministries of the Government of India, the International Law Commission, and most recently with the United Nations’ Department of Peace Operations in New York. Keeping with his love for international organisations, he is also an Assistant Editor with the International Organisations Law Review Journal, published by Brill.

Welcome back everyone to the Auxiliary Chamber with your host Bram Burger and today I am honoured to present episode 39, with the inspiring and retiring Leiden University Professor Dr. Niels Blokker.  In today's episode titled: Institutions, Negotiations, and the Classroom: A Life in International Law with Dr Niels Blokker, we are starting with a retrospective on the most important and favourite movements of his career spanning over four decades at Leiden University and the Dutch ministry of foreign affairs. We discuss how times at the university, ministry and within international law have changed and his decades-long process of writing the famous International Institutional Law textbook after taking over the project from Professor Dr. Schemers. Finally, we end the episode with a discussion on the importance of working in practice within international law and the future of multilateralism in these uncertain times.  As a brief background to Dr. Blokker’s illustrious career, Dr. Niels Blokker was an Emeritus Professor of International Institutional Law at Leiden University’s Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies, holding the Schermers Chair since 2003. Alongside his career at Leiden, he formerly worked as Deputy Legal Adviser at the Dutch Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and is widely known for his work on International organisational Law and authored multiple versions of the "International Institutional Law" textbook (whose 7th edition, has come out this year 2025). Dr. Blokker was also a pivotal professor in Leiden University's Public International Law regular and advanced LLM.

Welcome back everyone to the Auxiliary Chamber, I am thrilled to present episode 38, with the brilliant Anh, discussing: What is Quantum doing in International Law and at the United Nations? Today, we are going to be discussing the role of Quantum Technologies within the UN and International law. Specifically, in this episode, we explore Quantum Technologies, the role of United Nations International Years, the launch in Paris, innovative technologies in international law, and finally a discussion on power politics and access and ring-fencing issues around technology in international law.    Anh is a PhD researcher in the Law and Governance of Quantum Technologies research group at the University of Amsterdam Law School. Her PhD looks at legal dynamics in quantum technology innovation value chains. The project delves into the role of law in the ring-fencing of material resources, the politics of knowledge production, and value extraction from techno-scientific research. Her most recent publications are: - Anh Nguyen, “Short-Circuiting Technological Sovereignty? Assessing the Governance of Semiconductor Supply Chain (Chokepoints) Through the Lens of Emerging Multilateral Export Control Regimes” (2025) European Yearbook of International Economic Law - Anh Nguyen, “Export Controls as Technological Ringfencing – Legal Dynamics in EU Governance over Critical and Emerging Technologies Supply Chains” in Narin Idriz, Eva Kassoti, Joris Larik (eds), The Legal Implications of the EU’s Geopolitical Awakening (CLEER Papers 2025/1, TMC Asser Institute) - Anh Nguyen, “Export Controls as Innovation Marketing? Sociotechnical Imaginaries in the Ringfencing of Quantum Technologies” (2025) 7 (1) Law, Technology and Humans (forthcoming)

The Auxiliary Chamber is thrilled to present the last episode of 2024 and another entry in the Rising PhD Researchers series, a long-awaited update! In this episode, the podcast is honored to welcome Julia Galera Oliva and Anh Nguyen onto the podcast again to discuss their experience since we last spoke a year ago on their International Law and Legal Governance of Quantum Technologies PhD journeys. Together we dive into their current PhD research, the wider academic legal community, main deliverables and early findings, the role of AI and general tips they wish they had known at the start of their journey! Anh is a PhD researcher in the Law and Governance of Quantum Technologies research group at the University of Amsterdam Law School. Her PhD looks at legal dynamics in quantum technology innovation value chains. The project delves into the role of law in the ring-fencing of material resources, the politics of knowledge production, and value extraction from techno-scientific research. Julia is a second-year Ph.D. researcher at the European University Institute in Florence, specializing in the intersection of international legal history and theory. Her research delves into the concept of friendship as a foundational element of international law. Drawing on philosophical and legal theories, she investigates the historical evolution of the discourse of friendship, charting its transformation from a presumption of natural human sociability to a potential positive legal obligation in the international order. Finally, the book recommendations are: The Black Prince (Iris Murdoch), Hyperion (Dan Simmons), and The Annual Banquet of the Gravediggers' Guild (Mathias Énard).

The Auxiliary Chamber is thrilled to present this brilliant new episode with Dr. Cecily Rose on: ‘Tackling the Overflowing Caseload at the International Court of Justice, can the Court match its expectations’? In this episode, we explore the problems facing the International Court of Justice as it increasingly, receives more cases and advisory opinions, responds to critical provisional measures orders, and the expectations for the Court only rise. Dr. Cecily Rose discusses with us the process by which a Case is assessed by the court, the timelines, different mechanisms, procedures, and touches on the role of the parties themselves in creating decade-long cases. Finally, we discuss some potential solutions for the Court to shorten cases and more efficiently deal with its increasing caseload.    Dr. Cecily Rose is engaged in research, teaching, and consultancy work in the field of public international law and international dispute settlement. She currently teaches courses at Leiden Law School and holds a Ph.D. and an LL.M. in public international law from the University of Cambridge, a J.D. from Columbia Law School, and a B.A. (English) from Yale University. Prior to joining Leiden Law School, Dr. Cecily Rose worked as an associate legal officer at the International Court of Justice and as an associate legal officer at the Special Court for Sierra Leone in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and in private practice.

🎙️Prosecuting Environmental Harm at the International Criminal Court🎙️ The Auxiliary Chamber is thrilled to present this new brilliant episode with Omar Kausar on:  ‘Promoting Ecojustice at the International Criminal Court - It doesn’t take armed conflict to harm the environment’.  In this episode, Omar Kausar shares with us his Public International Law thesis from Leiden University, diving into prosecuting environmental harm under the Rome Statute, the importance of non-international armed conflict, and the possibilities of Ecocide.    Omar Kausar holds an LLM in Public International Law from Leiden University. His research focuses on International Criminal Law, Humanitarian Law, and Human Rights Law. His LLM thesis was nominated for the Jan Brouwer thesis prize in the Netherlands.

The Auxiliary Chamber is thrilled to present this new episode: ‘An International Law Perspective on Harry Potter, No one is above the law, not even wizards!’  In this episode, the brilliant Dr. Frauke Heidemann shares with us her new 2024 book ‘Applying International Law to the World of Harry Potter’ as published by Springer Law. As we apply international law to the world of Harry Potter, we dive into the Wizarding States, different conflicts, and participants, and look at questions such as are the members of Dumbledore's army are child soldiers, and can the ICC hold Lord Voldemort accountable?  Dr. Frauke Heidemann holds a PhD in international law and publishes law books and novels. Her research focuses on the intersection of technological trends, privatization of warfare, and international law. I highly recommend everyone to read her amazing book, as found here: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-57571-6

The Auxiliary Chamber is honored to present the second episode of its new mini-series, ‘The Application of Digitally Derived Evidence in Law’! Today we are diving into: ‘Unlocking Digital Evidence in Domestic Law - Taking the Leiden Guidelines Forward’ with the brilliant Dr. Emma Irving and Sabrina Rewald. In today’s episode, we dive into defining Digitally Derived Evidence in Domestic Law, the Fénix Foundation, Artificial intelligence in Law, the creation of a new NGO, and some of the initial barriers to the new project. Sabrina Rewald, JD LLM, and Dr. Emma Irving are both international legal consultants and Co-founders of the Fénix Foundation, which is a Netherlands-based non-profit with a mission to leverage advancements in Artificial Intelligence to support accountability for atrocity crimes. By embracing the potential of AI to accelerate legal research, assist legal analysis, and disseminate legal information, we aim to show that AI can play a positive role in the global fight against impunity (https://www.fenix.foundation/). I would highly encourage everyone to also listen to the first part of this mini-series where we discussed: Unlocking Digital Evidence in International Law through the Leiden Guidelines. The Leiden Guidelines on DDE were developed at the Kalshoven-Gieskes Forum on International Humanitarian Law of Leiden University by Dr. Emma Irving and Dr. Robert Heinsch. The Guidelines can be found here: (https://leiden-guidelines.netlify.app/)

The Auxiliary Chamber is honored to present the first episode in its new mini-series on: ‘The Application of Digitally Derived Evidence in Law’! Today we are diving into: ‘Unlocking Digital Evidence in International Law through the Leiden Guidelines’ with the brilliant Dr. Emma Irving and Sabrina Rewald. In today’s episode, we dive into defining what is Digitally Derived Evidence (DDE), why it is important, the origins of the DDE project, the Leiden Guidelines, and applying the Guidelines internationally. The Leiden Guidelines on DDE were developed at the Kalshoven-Gieskes Forum on International Humanitarian Law of Leiden University by Dr. Emma Irving and Dr. Robert Heinsch. The Guidelines can be found here: (https://leiden-guidelines.netlify.app/) Sabrina Rewald, JD LLM, and Dr. Emma Irving are both international legal consultants and Co-founders of the Fénix Foundation, which is a Netherlands-based non-profit with a mission to leverage advancements in Artificial Intelligence to support accountability for atrocity crimes. By embracing the potential of AI to accelerate legal research, assist legal analysis, and disseminate legal information, we aim to show that AI can play a positive role in the global fight against impunity (https://www.fenix.foundation/). In the next episode of the Podcast, we will continue this mini-series by presenting: Unlocking Digital Evidence in Domestic Law - Taking the Leiden Guidelines Forward.

The podcast is honored to present episode 31 with the Brilliant Ada! Together in this episode, we discuss her LLM thesis from Leiden University, where she will present for us: ‘A Critique of the Current Discourse on the Right of Peoples to (External) Self-Determination under International Law.’ Not to give too much away, but we will be diving into the idea concepts of Self-Determination and Peoples under International law, the academic discourse, and International law’s ‘tendency to crisis and violence’!

The Auxiliary Chamber is honored to present the second part of the mini-series with Dr. Jason Rudall on his new book: ‘Responsibility for Environmental Damage’, published by Edward Elgar Publishing this April, in its Principles of International Environmental Law series. Part 2 of the series and Episode 30 of the Podcast dives into Dr. Rudall’s new book and explores the concepts of responsibility for Environmental Damage, climate change, litigation, and advisory opinions!  The book ‘offers a comprehensive analysis of responsibility for environmental damage under international law’ and can be found here: https://www.e-elgar.com/shop/gbp/responsibility-for-environmental-damage-9781803920702.html Dr. Jason Rudall is currently an Assistant Professor of Public International Law at the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies of Leiden University! He has published two other books: Altruism in International Law (Cambridge University Press, 2021) and Compensation for Environmental Damage under International Law (Routledge, 2020). 

The Auxiliary Chamber is honored to present the first part of the mini-series with Dr. Jason Rudall on his new book: ‘Responsibility for Environmental Damage’, published by Edward Elgar Publishing this April, in its Principles of International Environmental Law series. Part 1 of the series and Episode 29 of the Podcast dives into Dr. Rudall’s new book and explores the art and experiences of writing and publishing a new book! The new book ‘offers a comprehensive analysis of responsibility for environmental damage under international law’ and can be found here: https://www.e-elgar.com/shop/gbp/responsibility-for-environmental-damage-9781803920702.html Dr. Jason Rudall is currently an Assistant Professor of Public International Law at the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies of Leiden University! He has published two other books: Altruism in International Law (Cambridge University Press, 2021) and Compensation for Environmental Damage under International Law (Routledge, 2020). 

This week Part 2 of the Mini Series on the ‘International Law in Europe’s forgotten conflict, the Armenia and Azerbaijan situation’ will be released! It’s an honor to discuss with Dr. Gurgen Petrossian, LL.M. Senior Officer for International Criminal Law at the International Nuremberg Principles Academy, as we explore together: The European Court of Human Rights Cases and the International Criminal Court in the Armenia and Azerbaijan crisis, and delve further into the prioritization and financing of International Law.

The Auxiliary Chamber is thrilled to share the first episode of a new mini-series with Dr. Gurgen Petrossian, Senior Officer for International Criminal Law at the International Nuremberg Principles Academy. The series is on ‘International Law in Europe’s forgotten conflict, the Armenia and Azerbaijan situation’, and Episode 27 dives into 'The Historical Conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh and the Parallel International Court of Justice Cases Between Armenia and Azerbaijan’. Together we will discuss first the Historical background and context of the Nagorno-Karabakh region and conflict, before discussing the Parallel International Court of Justice cases between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The Auxiliary Chamber is thrilled and honored to announce Episode 26, “Rising PhD Researchers: Diving into the How, What, and Why of Applying and Starting a Legal PhD”! In this episode, the Auxiliary Chamber and Bram Burger are joined by the brilliant Julia Galera Oliva and Anh Nguyen, who after graduating from Leiden University's Public International Law LLM this summer, have started their PhD journeys at the European University Institute respectively, and the University of Amsterdam.  Together, we will delve into their origin story of getting into academia, and present a short overview of each research project. Then, we dive deeper into the PhD experience, looking at; the proposal and application process, the role of a PhD researcher, and what the end goal is of a PhD. Finally, they both highlight the positives of public international law and the legal academic community, as well as rounding off our discussion by highlighting certain issues within international law and some book recommendations! Bio of the guests: Julia is a Ph.D. researcher at the European University Institute in Florence, Italy, whose primary focus is on Spanish imperialism in Latin America and its interplay with private entities, inquiring into the relationships between the state, private organizations, and individuals from a historical perspective.  Anh is a Ph.D. researcher in the Law and Governance of Quantum Technologies research group within the Institute for Information Law at the University of Amsterdam. Her work delves into how legal dynamics arising from the tension between innovation, geopolitical/geoeconomic competition, and responsible technological development shape, govern and construct emerging quantum technology (global) value chains. Book Recommendations: * The Underground Empire: Where Crime and Governments Embrace (by James Mills) * To the Uttermost Parts of the Earth: Legal Imagination and International Power 1300–1870 (by Martti Koskenniemi) * Imperialism, Sovereignty and the Making of International Law (by Antony Anghie) * The Alchemy of Race and Rights: Diary of a Law Professor (by Patricia J. Williams). * Hellfire Nation: The Politics of Sin in American History Paperback (by James A. Morone).

Episode 25 is now live on all podcast platforms, the third installment in the series discussing The Truth, Reconciliation, and National Unity Commission in the Seychelles (TRNUC)! As the Commission's final report has been published and provided to the Seychelles government, it is a perfect time to revisit the TRNUC and discuss its main findings, the Commission's recommendations, possible victim reparations, and the last impact. It's an honor to present this episode with Vice Chair Michael Green, who has seen the dictatorships evolution from being an Elected Member of the Governing Council of Seychelles in 1969, to now working on the TRNUC.

The podcast is honored to present episode 24 and the second part of the Maritime Boundary series, focussing on the interdisciplinary nature of Geoscience and International law. Global director for Law of the Sea at Fugro Robert van de Poll and Chair in International Law Centre for Energy, Petroleum & Mineral Law and Policy (CEPMLP) - the University of Dundee and CMS Partner, Dr. Pieter Bekker. We will discuss Maritime Boundary disputes, specifically how and why do states and the International Court of Justice struggle in plotting maritime boundaries. Further touching on the case law of the international court of justice and the new maritime boundary case between Lebanon and Israel. The views expressed in this Podcast are solely those of the participants and not of their employers