This event aims at exploring both the book’s core arguments and the process of transforming a PhD thesis into a book manuscript. It will reflect on conceptual, structural, and practical questions of this transformation, including what to keep, what to cut, and how to start this process. The first part of the event will be dedicated to the brief presentation of the project, followed by short comments delivered by the discussants on the chapters of the monograph. The second part will consist of an open Q&A and a more general discussion about transforming a thesis into a book. After the event, there will be a celebration of the imminent arrival of summer with a glass of prosecco.
About the book:
Who drives justice processes after mass violence, authoritarianism, and wars? International law scholarship has long focused on states and international organisations as the principal actors in transitional justice (TJ). But 'Privatized Justice' argues that today, many justice functions are performed by private actors—philanthropic foundations, NGOs, companies—who fund, design, and implement key mechanisms such as truth commissions, criminal trials, and reparations programs. These actors operate in the shadows of formal institutions: they collect evidence, influence prosecutorial strategies, and determine reparations eligibility, often without legal responsibility or democratic oversight. The book asks: can international law capture public justice delivered through private hands? It shows how this shift reflects broader trends in global governance, including the privatization of public functions and the rise of philanthro-governance. Through case studies, legal analysis, and original interviews, 'Privatized Justice' critiques the accountability gaps and normative ambiguities created by this private turn. It proposes a shift in international legal thinking: from a focus on formal legal personality to a responsibility framework based on practical engagement.
The event is open to all within the EUI community and beyond; there is an opportunity to join the event online. If you would like to read the book proposal ahead of the event, please email the author [email protected] to receive a copy.