Research Seminar: Examining the Role of the Law in Militarisation - Emerging Conversations from Uganda

On Monday March 6 2023, CRIC is hosting a research seminar with visiting PhD Fellow James Nkuubi of Makerere University, Uganda.

Militarisation continues to get entrenched in the diverse societal spheres across a number of African countries beyond the often-traditional war related discourses. To shifting degrees, this military ethos is permeating in what is conventionally known as civilian spaces thus extending military overreach. In its wake, is disruption, distortion, re-alignment and re-organisation of power relations, authority, influence and accountability at all levels of society. Whereas, this phenomenon has been debated world over, albeit in a disjointed manner, drawing on a variety of disciplines, the focus on the law has remained peripheral. James Nkuubi's thesis, adopting a ‘cautious’ inter-disciplinary approach revisits the militarisation discourse in the lens of the law. Using Uganda as a case study, he questions the role of the law-its workings and shortcomings, as an accentuating feature in the entrenchment of militarisation. How and what kind, if at all, of laws have been employed in the venture of militarisation? What is the interconnectedness of militarisation with the law and what shapes the other?

In this research seminar, James Nkuubi will present and invite to discussion on preliminary findings of his PhD thesis.

PhD Fellow Mathilde Kaalund from Department of Political Science at UCPH, will furthermore present findings from her research on the effects of African peacekeeping on militarisation and regional ordering focusing on Uganda’s military interventions in a historical perspective. Both PhD projects are part of a DANIDA funded cooperative project between CRIC and HURIPEC, The Human Rights and Peace Center at Makerere University.

Short papers from both PhD Fellows Nkuubi and Kaalund will be circulated to attendees prior to the seminar, and we look forward to a lively discussion on these important subjects.

Program:

  • 10.00-10.05: Welcome by Ole Wæver, Professor of International Relations and Head of CRIC (University of Copenhagen) 

  • 10.05-10.30: Presentation of preliminary research findings by PhD Fellow James Nkuubi (Makerere University) 

  • 10.30-11.15: Discussion 

  • 11.15-11.30: Presentation of preliminary research findings by PhD Fellow Mathilde Kaalund (University of Copenhagen)

  • 11.30-12.00: Discussion

  • 12.00-13.00: We invite you to stay and continue the conversation over lunch 

Registration:

The seminar is open to all interested however, registration is needed. [REGISTRATION IS CLOSED]