The Computational Turn in International Law

Abstract

Abstract The recent computational turn carries the potential to both enrich and destabilise international law research. Epistemologically, it offers a repertoire of data science methods, including network analysis, text processing and analysis, machine learning, and large language and agent-based models. Ontologically, with its inductive and macroscopic logic, it can inflect and challenge our established understandings of the nature and role of international law. In this article, we review the growing use of computational approaches in international law research, with a focus on their methodological particularity and potential contributions to doctrinal and non-doctrinal research questions. At the same time, we discuss the limitations of the computational turn, especially issues of suitability, quality, and feasibility.