At The Vanishing Point

Encounters with the Souvenirs, Merchandise, and Memorabilia of International Law

  • In this research project we look at international law and international institutions through the lens of merchandise, memorabilia, and souvenirs. How do international organisations present themselves to the world (by way of their gift shops or commercial collaborations) and how does society at large perceive of international law and international institutions (through invocation of international law in commercial imagery and objects)? What do such objects and imagery say about the role of international law in the social and cultural zeitgeist? On this site, through photos, articles, blogs, and commentary, we explore how international law’s symbolic capital is supported through souvenirs and other material objects. How is authority tied to objects? How does international law’s merchandise allow us to comment on the relationship between capitalism and international law? How do objects become memorabilia, relics or fetishes for international law and international lawyers? And how do souvenirs allow for different readings of international law’s claim to authority and relevance?

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