Plenary 1: The Global Rule of Law - LCIL 2026

What happens when states no longer even seek to justify their actions under international law—and when disinformation undermines the facts on which accountability depends? In the opening plenary of the London Conference on International Law 2026, Can Yeginsu chaired a discussion on the Global Rule of Law with Maria Ressa, Tim Otty KC and Professor Janina Dill. From the erosion of legal constraints on power to the defence of independent journalism, the panel explored what is at stake—and what international lawyers can do to respond. A recurring theme: defending the rule of law means not only identifying violations, but explaining why the law matters, protecting information integrity and building the public support needed to sustain it. Chair: Professor Can Yeğinsu, Barrister, 3VB; Deputy Chair of the High Level Panel of Legal Experts on Media Freedom Speakers: Maria Ressa, Journalist, Nobel Peace Laureate Tim Otty KC, Barrister, Blackstone Chambers, Vice President of the Venice Commission Professor Janina Dill, Dame Louise Richardson Chair in Global Security, University of Oxford #LCIL2026 #internationallaw