Chronicles of Law and Politics Abroad

Chronicles of Law and Politics Abroad

Personal Experience Piece

My Name is Charlie Batori and I am a third-year Law, Justice and Society (LJSO) student at Dalhousie University. I have a growing passion for International Law, languages and exploring new places and cultures, so when I had the opportunity to study International Law and Politics at Oxford, I couldn't pass it up. One of my biggest goals in pursuing this program was to push myself out of my comfort zone and to learn as much as possible!

Over the summer I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Oxford University to study Law and Politics. Since the moment I took my first LJSO course, I have been passionate about international law. I have been fascinated by its complexity, the impact it has on global relations and the different cultures that play a role in governance and law. Studying at Oxford has allowed me to engage deeply with global legal issues, and broaden my understanding of international relations. I'm excited to bring these insights back to my studies at Dalhousie and to continue exploring the ways in which law intersects with global issues

During my month in the UK, I had the chance to engage with some really incredible people, and professors from around the world. We had lectures from Knights, English Ambassadors and even Army generals. I was also exposed to many different perspectives on international politics, some that I agreed with and others...not so much. I went into this program thinking that my understanding of international law was pretty well-rounded considering some of the previous courses I had taken at

Dalhousie, but I quickly realised how much more there is to learn. An example of this was our lecture on Human Rights law, Ethnic Conflict and Nationalism from Dr. Elizabeth Kiss where she discussed the complexities of transitional justice and the various mechanisms societies use to address widespread human rights abuses. Dr. Kiss highlighted the importance of Truth and Reconciliation Commissions, criminal prosecutions, reparations, and institutional reforms, emphasising that justice is not solely about retribution but also about restoring dignity to victims and promoting societal healing. Her insights into the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions highlighted the successes and challenges of such processes, leaving me with an understanding of the need for more inclusive approaches to justice and reconciliation. This course was not all just lectures though. We had weekly discussions where we debated these topics, often finding ourselves in heated and passionate conversations. One of the most

memorable debates was about the role of international organisations in peacekeeping and humanitarian intervention. This debate surrounded the complexities and conflicting interests that shape global governance. It was during these sessions that taught me how to appreciate the diversity of thought and the importance of engaging with differing viewpoints.

Aside from the academics of my course, my time at Oxford allowed me to explore the deep history and culture that the city had to offer. I visited iconic landmarks like the Bodleian Library and the Radcliffe Camera. I also enjoyed the quieter parks of the city like hiking through the meadows, getting lost in Blackwell's Books and watching Shakespeare in the park. This experience was nothing short of amazing and I would encourage anyone thinking of pursuing a semester abroad at Oxford to

go for it! I went into this trip not knowing a soul and came out with some of my best friends. The friendships I made and the academic experiences I gained have left a lasting impact on me, and I can't wait to see where my journey in international law will take me next.