The SIU Law Journal is seeking submissions of articles for inclusion in the 2026 Law Journal Symposium. In light of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, international relations between the U.S. and its allies in the region are of particular importance. Specifically, the conflict has necessitated increased cooperation between world leaders and buffer nations. The growing relationship between Poland and the United States is a notable example of such a partnership. This year’s law journal symposium will focus on this critical relationship and how the war has impacted the constitutional, international, regional, and security law frameworks of both nations. Interested authors are invited to explore the evolving legal doctrines, institutional responses, and legal and economic cooperation this evolving partnership poses. Suggested submission topics, include, but are not limited to:
1. Constitutional issues: comparative analysis of how each country addresses emergency powers, humanitarian and military aid, executive discretion, and similar topics
2. NATO Obligations under International Law: treaty obligations, Article 5 implications, alliance commitments, cooperative training on weapons system, logistics, intelligence sharing, etc.
3. Sanctions and “Economic Warfare”: legal mechanisms for imposing and enforcing international sanctions and how the U.S. and Poland implement or further these goals.
4. How Poland and the U.S. address and respond to cybersecurity threats
5. Judicial Independence: comparative analysis of the role of the judicial system in the U.S. and Poland, and how judicial oversight and democracy are impacted during wartime
6. Military Justice Law and “Lawfare”: comparative analysis on legal standards for war crimes both domestically and internationally; how military justice systems work to preserve military accountability during wartime
7. Energy Security: legal shifts in legal policy on energy. Sovereignty over resources; nuclear cooperation in the energy sectors
8. Economic Relations: Potential for U.S. investment in the Polish market as a response to its importance in the region and increased trade between the two countries
Interested Scholars should submit by emailing the SIU Law journal at lawjourn@siu.edu on or before January 19th, 2026 at 11:59 pm.
The symposium will be held in a virtual format in late February or early March, where authors will have the opportunity to participate in presentations and panels exploring the issues in selected papers. Selected papers will be published in a special issue of the SIU Law Journal in April/May 2026.