Established in 2005 by Honorary Professor Hilary Charlesworth, CIGJ has consistently demonstrated leadership in issues of governance and justice, grounded in a mission of scholarly excellence and innovation. Following Hilary’s appointment as a Judge to the International Court of Justice, Professor Anthea Roberts assumed the role of CIGJ’s director in 2021.

Focus areas

Drawing together an interdisciplinary range of scholars at RegNet, and scholars and practitioners from beyond, CIGJ focuses on three main areas:

1. Geoconomics Working Group (CWG)
2. Complexity and Resilience (CR)
3. Conflict, Violence and Justice (CVJ)

1. Geoeconomics Working Group (GWG)

The GWG node serves as the central home for geoeconomics at the ANU. It has a unique focus on the growing interplay between diverse economics fields, including trade, investment, technology, and emerging security risks. The world is experiencing a profound transformation, accelerated by the escalating rivalry between the United States and China. This shift has placed a spotlight on economic competitiveness, security concerns and the race for technological supremacy. These dynamics are reshaping international trade and investment rules and institutions and presenting policymakers with complex new challenges as they navigate the delicate balance between economic interests and security priorities.

2. Complexity and Resilience (CR)

The CR node serves as a collaborative space, bringing together scholars and practitioners dedicated to exploring fresh governance approaches for our complex and uncertain world. In the 21st century, humanity confronts complex, interconnected risks—climate change, pandemics, rising inequality, and global power rivalry. These complexities transcend single disciplines, leading to the convergence of previously separate domains. In this era of growing complexity and uncertainty, integrative thinking and multidisciplinary approaches are essential. Resilience thinking is also gaining prominence in policy-making and governance as another vital approach, and this node focuses on developing new frameworks, tools and techniques for addressing both complexity and resilience.

3. Conflict, Violence and Justice (CVJ)

The CVJ node unites scholars across disciplines who explore the drivers and inhibitors of violence and conflict worldwide.  In today’s volatile world, new forms of violence and conflict emerge while existing ones intensify. Our scholars investigate justice, order, and peacebuilding amid these shifting social and political conditions, within and beyond formal institutions. As a problem-driven research collaboration, we promote innovation at multiple scales to prevent and respond to the harms caused by violence and conflict. CVJ draws together scholars focused on diverse themes, including political violence, extremism, inclusion and exclusion, post-conflict peacebuilding, transitional justice, reconciliation, memory politics, and global human rights law.

Meetups

Scholars in each node meet regularly to explore new topics and exchange ideas.

• GWG hosts bimonthly meetings online
• CR hosts bimonthly reading groups
• CVJ hosts bimonthly reading groups

If you are interested in signing up for these meetings and reading groups, please email the Centre’s Project Officer, Aishwarya (aishwarya.aishwarya@anu.edu.au) to be included in our mailing lists.