The summary of the Purposes of the CSP refers to a number of issues (such as examining ‘the effects of international interventions promoting democratic reform, human rights and market competition on the “conflict management capacity”. . of existing polities’) that find expression in international law. A useful approach to the role and function of law in these contexts would be to move from a critical examination of the general (global- international law) to the specific (domestic – implementation of international law at national level), with accompanying analyses and possibly recommendations. As a starting point, therefore, the research will articulate the main (and to some extent overlapping) precepts of international law that may be relevant to the prevention of situations of breakdown, and then those that constitute a response to such situations. The next section of the research would take, by way of example of the role of law in situations of breakdown, a specific area of international law. The area selected would be international law regarding children, since this area of international law brilliantly encapsulates recent developments in international law, and some of its potential and pitfalls. In addition, children can be seen as one of the primary resources of any community, crucial for social stability, post-conflict reconstruction, etc. The final section of this research would then examine the situation of children, and developments in child-related law and policy, in two countries (Uganda and Colombia) - both interesting as regards the nexus between children and law - to try document and explain the impact (or lack of impact) of this body of law.

The work of Tim Allen in Uganda has resulted in a the production of an extensive report, in which he assesses the intervention of the International Criminal Court. This can be downloaded here.