Art, Aesthetics and International Justice

by Marina Aksenova

Overview

This book demonstrates that art is implicit in the process of administration of international justice. The diverse nature of recent global threats as well as an overwhelming pull towards isolationism and nationalism challenge the dominant deterrence paradigm of international governance created in the aftermath of the Second World War. An alternative model is to focus on cooperation, and not deterrence, as a guiding operational principle.

This volume focuses on the theoretical component linking justice with aesthetics as well as on the practical manifestation of such connection evident, inter alia, in the rhetoric of international courts, their architectural design and their commemorative practices expressed by the practice of symbolic reparations adopted by some of the courts. The underlying premise of the book is that international justice requires new vocabulary and new approaches, which can be derived from the study of aesthetics. It is held that exploring the aesthetical dimension of international justice contributes to the discussion on the foundations of its authority and the grounds for compliance with it. The work engages deeply with the theory of aesthetics developed by Immanuel Kant and Abhinavagupta, a Kashmiri critic, philosopher and scholar writing in the early eleventh century.

The book will be of interest to academics and researchers working in the areas of Legal Philosophy, International Criminal Justice and International Law and International Relations.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781032605890
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	03/31/2025
Pages:	190
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Marina Aksenova is Associate Professor of International Criminal Law at IE University in Madrid and founder of Art and International Justice Initiative. She worked at the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and as a legal associate in White and Case LLP. As part of her academic journey, she held postdoctoral research positions at the Centre of Excellence for International Courts at the University of Copenhagen, the Institute for Advanced Studies at the Central European University in Budapest, and the University of Florence. Marina’s research lies at the intersection of deep doctrinal engagement with international law and creativity. Marina seeks to innovate without losing touch with the core methodological and philosophical assumptions underlying the field of international justice. Her first book Complicity in International Criminal Law (Hart, 2016) won Paul Guggenheim award at the Geneva Graduate Institute.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction 2. Philosophical foundations of universality and the role of aesthetics in building international justice 2.0 3. Re-thinking the mode of expression in international justice 4. International justice as a ritual: Anthropological and sociological accounts 5. The role of art and aesthetics in the practice of symbolic and creative reparations at the ICC and IACtHR 6. Observe – build – play – repeat: The new method of international justice 2.0

Editorial Reviews

‘Too often, international justice is simply presented, then resented, coldly as objective fact. Marina Aksenova wants something better. With this aim, she links international justice to perception, emotion, and experience. Her lens is that of aesthetics. An aesthetically sensitive justice is improved justice. Her powerful book is erudite, elegant, and engaging. It elevates readers. Aksenova has written an instant classic in connecting art to life, and justice to the human condition.’

- Mark Drumbl, Class of 1975 Alumni Professor, Director of Transnational Law Institute, Washington and Lee University.

‘Marina Aksenova presents a vision of global justice which integrates and engages all of our senses by harnessing the powers of art and aesthetics. Her argument is both compelling and urgent. Embracing Aksenova’s account is crucial for identifying meaningful responses to the wars, natural disasters, and inequalities of our time.’

- Valentin Jeutner, Associate Professor of Law, University of Lund, Sweden; Founder of the International Law Museum in Lund.

‘Aksenova’s path-breaking work redefines our understanding of international justice through a sophisticated exploration of aesthetic contemplation. Her transformative approach inspires as it lays the foundation for a more creative, inclusive, and humane approach to global justice. This book is a must-read for anyone who wishes to see the world anew.’

- Christopher NJ Roberts, Associate Professor of Law, University of Minnesota Law School and Department of Sociology.

From the Publisher