Reflexivity and the uncovering of silence in international law

Practising reflexivity in international law: introducing a concept and the working paper series

“…47 Nadia Kornioti carefully considers how her identity as a Cypriot and as an academic influence how she approaches research on a topic that is closely connected to her personal background. 48 Julia Emtseva reflects on her gender and educational background in Kyrgyzstan as important markers of her identity as an academic. 49 These interventions more generally interrogate diversity in the field of international law and the way it is accommodated.…”

“…53 It may also translate, in a grounded and practical way, into a basis for navigating different contexts, through nuanced considerations of ethical guidelines in field research 54 or the preparation of methodological tools for researchers whose subjects are deeply intertwined with their personal background. 55 In addition, reflexive practice attunes the researcher to the idea that they do not exist outside of the field they study but form a part of it and play a role in its reproduction and constitution. To situate the researcher in this way can give a sense of responsibility when engaging with theoretical discourses of international law.…”

“…64 For Nadia Kornioti, such an intimate connection to the object of research may result in self-censorship to preserve the alleged 'objectivity' of the research. 65 Reflexivity, or the impression of reflexivity, might also lead to complacency. Writing in terms of self-reflectivity and the scholarly endeavor, Jean d'Aspremont begins by acknowledging that the '[s]ituatedness of foundational doctrines and legal arguments built thereon has even become a rather common object of inquiry', 66 which has translated into international lawyers developing 'greater methodological self-awareness'.…”