Language as an Instrument of Political and Normative Power - The United Nations' Multilingualism and Its Consequences on International Law

Explore how language functions as a tool of political and normative power through an examination of the United Nations' multilingual framework and its impact on international law in this 31-minute conference presentation. Delve into the complex relationship between linguistic plurality and the drafting and implementation of international legal norms through a historical case study of the UN's multilingual regime. Discover insights from doctoral research that intersects legal history, international law, and institutional multilingualism studies, examining how the choice and use of multiple languages within international organizations shapes legal outcomes and power dynamics. Learn about the consequences of multilingualism on the development and interpretation of international legal instruments, and understand how language serves not merely as a communication tool but as an instrument that influences normative frameworks and political processes within global governance structures.