Private International Law Festival 2026 – The End of the Rule-Based International Order?

The Private International Law Festival 2026, organized by Edinburgh Law School and the Max Planck Institute for Comparative and International Private Law, will take place on 24-25 September 2026 at the Playfair Library in Edinburgh. This year's theme, 'The End of the Rule-Based International Order? - Implications for Private International Law,' aims to address the significant shifts in international relations and their effects on private international law. The festival will feature a variety of formats, including paper presentations, discussion panels, and workshops, encouraging a diverse range of scholarly contributions. The event seeks to engage with pressing questions regarding the impact of current geopolitical changes on private international law. Participants are invited to explore whether private international law can remain apolitical and technical amidst these shifts, and whether it can adapt to a changing political economy. The festival encourages submissions from junior researchers as well as established academics, welcoming innovative ideas and traditional presentations alike. Proposals should be submitted by 10 April 2026, and selected speakers will be notified in May 2026. The festival promises to be a vibrant platform for scholarly reflection on the future of private international law in a rapidly evolving global landscape.