Donald R Rothwell

Donald R Rothwell
Biography
Publications

Donald R Rothwell is Professor of International Law at the ANU College of Law, ANU and one of Australia’s leading experts in International Law with specific focus on the law of the sea; law of the polar regions, use of force and implementation of international law within Australia. He has published 28 authored and edited books and over 200 book chapters and articles including, with Tim Stephens, The International Law of the Sea 3rd ed (Hart: 2023). Another recent work is Islands and International Law(Hart: 2022). 

Major career works include The Polar Regions and the Development of International Law (CUP: 1996), and International Law: Cases and Materials with Australian Perspectives 3rd (CUP: 2018) with Kaye, Akhtarkhavari, Davis, and Saunders.

Rothwell is also Co-Editor of the Australian Year Book of International Law and Editor-in-Chief of the Brill Research Perspectives in Law of the Sea. He has taught a range of courses including Law of the Sea, International Dispute Resolution, International Law and Use of Armed Force, International Humanitarian Law, Military Operations Law, and Public International Law.

Rothwell was previously Challis Professor of International Law and Director of the Sydney Centre for International and Global Law, University of Sydney (2004-2006), where he had taught since 1988. He has acted as a consultant or been a member of expert groups for UNEP, UNDP, IUCN, the Australian Government, and acted as advisor to the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).

He is a regular media commentator on international law issues and has written for all of the major daily newspapers in Australia. His media interviews have included ABC TV 7.30, ABC Radio ‘AM’ and ‘PM’, ABC Radio National ‘Breakfast’, ABC News 24, Al Jazeera (TV), BBC World (TV), and the Voice of America.

Line in the sand: How sea-level rise is challenging international law
Line in the sand: How sea-level rise is challenging international law
For island nations climate change poses not only a physical threat but a legal dilemma, too.
What’s in a name? The Taliban and recognition under international law
What’s in a name? The Taliban and recognition under international law
Formal recognition as a legitimate government may be a bargaining chip to press the Taliban to respect human rights.
A Cold War deal on ice: The Antarctic Treaty at 60
A Cold War deal on ice: The Antarctic Treaty at 60
The remarkable resilience of what evolved into the Antarctic Treaty System cannot be an excuse for complacency.
When border control goes over the line
When border control goes over the line
It will take months to repatriate Australians from Covid-ravaged India. A policy reset is urgently needed.
Bringing space law into the 21st century
Bringing space law into the 21st century
The international agreements around outer space, which date to the Cold War, are being tested by new space activity.
US break with WHO: Where does it leave the rest of the world?
US break with WHO: Where does it leave the rest of the world?
Honest assessment of the Covid-19 response will require cooperation from all member states. There is no alternative.
Is the notion of the United States acquiring Greenland that absurd?
Is the notion of the United States acquiring Greenland that absurd?
The trade in territory is not without precedent and the growing power contest over the Arctic is little appreciated.
Does a US flag on the Moon amount to a claim of sovereignty under law?
Does a US flag on the Moon amount to a claim of sovereignty under law?
No, but international treaties that govern outer space loom as a potential flashpoint for growing US-China competition.
Japan is again hunting whales. What can be done?
Japan is again hunting whales. What can be done?
As G20 leaders gathered in Osaka, Japan let loose the whalers and the international response has so far been muted.
Top