How Non-Legally Binding Agreements Shape Contemporary Security Politics

In an era of intensified great-power competition, states increasingly rely on non-legally binding agreements to coordinate behavior, signal intentions, and manage escalation—without the costs of formal treaties. Dr. Vassileva will explore how such agreements function as strategic tools, allowing both powerful and small states to shape expectations and balance flexibility, legitimacy, and control. By theorizing non-binding agreements as legal–strategic gray zones, the seminar shows how international law operates within the dynamics of security politics.

Admittance is on a first come–first served basis. Tea and Coffee Provided.

Image Caption: Legal-strategic gray zones: how soft, non-binding forms structure security politics