The Inter-University Cooperation Project organized its 7th Summer Law School from 21st to 24th May 2024 in Vang Vieng, Laos. Eleven candidates from the Faculty of Law and Political Science (FLP), of the National University of Laos were invited for this intensive 4-day seminar based on their interest in improving their legal knowledge and their involvement with the Inter-University Cooperation Project.
The Summer Law School was dedicated to “the importance of sovereignty in the transformation of the Lao People’s Republic into a Constitutional State”. The Summer Law School was taught in English with contributions from Prof. Stefan Braum (Project leader, University of Luxembourg), Ms. Melina Anastasopoulou (PhD, University of Luxembourg), Ms. Isabella Lorenzoni, (PhD, University of Luxembourg), Ms. Zahra Yusifli (PhD, University of Luxembourg), Ms. Vialy Langkavong (FLP), Ms. Boualaphiane Sisouk (FLP), Mr. Pangthong Xayyavong (FLP and University of Luxembourg), Mr. Intha Douangphila (FLP), Dr. Lone Lindholt (SSA, LAO/037) and Ms. Paulina BASCHTON (Liaison Officer for the Inter-University Cooperation Project).
The first day of the Summer Law School, started with opening remarks by the project leader Prof. Braum and the Vice Dean of the FLP, Prof. Thatsanalone; and followed by an introductory session by Prof. Braum familiarizing the participants with “the matrix of sovereignty” a graph that was developed by Master students at the University of Luxembourg, together with Prof. Braum, to illustrate characteristics of sovereignty. Prof. Braum linked the theme of this year’s Summer Law School to the discussions from the 6th Winter Law School in December 2023, which addressed Laos’ sovereignty challenges arising from geopolitical factors. The introductory session created a common understanding of the notion of sovereignty. Participants actively discussed the “matrix of sovereignty” and tried to place Laos on the matrix.
On the second day of the Summer Law School, Ms. Melina Anastasopoulou gave a presentation on fundamental concepts of sovereignty. She covered both traditional and modern perspectives of sovereignty. Additionally, she explored the formation of nation-states and the internal and external aspects of sovereignty. Following this, Ms. Vilay Langkavong, a colleague from the National University of Laos, presented on ‘Sovereignty in the Laotian Constitution.’ Ms. Langkavong introduced the participants to the constitutional articles that define sovereignty.
In the afternoon Ms. Isabella Lorenzoni presented on the topic of sovereignty in the international legal order and the European Union. Participants discussed how international factors influence national sovereignty. In this context Prof. Braum recalled the challenges associated with the definition of the concept of proportionality in the Lao context; a concept, which has been discussed extensively during the last Summer Law School in June 2023. The day ended with a presentation by Ms. Boualaphiane Sisouk (FLP) discussing “Lao PDR in the context of ASEAN – what is the future for Lao sovereignty”.
Day 3 of the Summer Law School started with a discussion on ASEAN decision making mechanisms, its influence on Laos and sovereignty, relating to the presentation by Ms. Sisouk. This was followed by a presentation by Ms. Anastasopoulou on climate change and erosion of sovereignty leading to engaged discussions of environmental challenges in Laos. The following presentation was given by Ms. Zahra Yusifli on “Poverty Reduction and the Protection of Vulnerable People”. Ms. Yusifli highlighted the root causes of poverty and posed critical questions to our Lao colleagues about strategies to uplift the quality of life for concerned citizens. The session was highly interactive, with active participation from the Lao colleagues who shared their perspectives on how Laos can progress and overcome poverty.
In the afternoon Ms. Lorenzoni conducted a session on “sovereignty in times of digitalization and AI”. She familiarized the participants with the concepts of cyberspace and discussed the impact of Artificial Intelligence on sovereignty. Following Ms. Lorenzoni, our Lao colleague, Mr. Pangthong Xayyavong, gave a presentation on the “Challenges for Lao PDR and Legal Frameworks to Manage Global Risks”. He outlined the specific challenges that Laos faces and the critical role of lao legal framework in managing these global risks. The day ended with a presentation from Ms. Yusifli on State Sovereignty, Self-Determination, and Geopolitics. She addressed the jurisdictional limits of sovereignty in international law (international treaties, agreements, and conventions) and emphasized current events that exemplify the use of self-defense claims to protect sovereignty under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
On the last day of the Summer Law School, Mr. Intha Douangphila delivered an insightful presentation on the sovereignty of Laos in its external relations with countries in Asia and Europe. He discussed how Laos engages in cooperation and external relations. The seminar concluded with a round-table discussion, where all participants were invited to reflect on the lessons and points discussed over the four-day seminar.
All participants showed enthusiasm and motivation during the event and energetically interacted with the guest speakers and each other. They gained an understanding of the significance of the concept of sovereignty in a rule of law state.
