Topic 1

Introduction

Turkey announced in July 2020 that it would turn the Hagia Sophia back into a mosque.[1] The edifice has a long history, and is treasured, inter alia, for its non-denominational nature, showcasing multiple, overlapping religious layers. In fact, it had been a non-religious museum for 85 years.

Introduction

Introduction

On June 24, 2020, the Kosovo Specialist Prosecutor's Office for the first time publicly disclosed details regarding an indictment, which charged Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi, former Chairman of the National Assembly Kadri Veseli, and other former members of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) with war crimes and crimes against humanity. This is the first known indictment by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers and Specialist Prosecutor's Office (KSC & SPO).

Introduction

An Update on Recent Developments in International Disaster Law

Introduction

Once called the crown’s jewel, the dispute settlement system of the WTO is facing a major threat.[1] The standing Appellate Body (AB), within the WTO Dispute Settlement Body (DSB), is not functioning normally—or even at all, as the United States has blocked all appointments of new AB members. As a result, cases can no longer be appealed, and this may leave decisions by the panels—which adjudicate the cases in the first instance—in legal limbo.

On May 5, 2020, the European Commission (Commission) announced that 23 of the 27 member states of the European Union (EU) signed the Agreement for the Termination of Bilateral Investment Treaties [("BITs")] between the Member States of the European Union (the Treaty).[1] If the