2026-04-15
Center for International Legal Studies
Center Overview
Since its founding, National Chengchi University has been renowned for its strengths in the humanities and has maintained a distinguished tradition in the teaching and research of international law. Looking back, not only did Hsu Mo, the first chair of the Department of Diplomacy, serve as a judge at the International Court of Justice, but many prominent scholars who later taught at the university—including President Cheng Tien-Fong, Professor Chang Yi-Ting, Professor Chiu Hung-Ta, Professor Ma Ying-Jeou, Professor Chen Chang-Wen, Professor Lee Chung-Kuei, President Chen Chih-Shih, Professor Wang Jen-Chieh, Professor Chu Chien-Min, and Professor Chao Kuo-Tsai—have all been highly accomplished experts in international law and international organizations. In addition, various institutes and centers on campus have formed a vibrant academic community in international law. Currently, in addition to courses such as Public International Law offered by the Department of Law in the College of Law and the Department of Diplomacy in the College of International Affairs, the university also hosts teaching and research units such as the International Business and Trade Law Program in the Department of International Business, the Graduate Institute of Intellectual Property, the Law Division of the Graduate Institute of Risk Management, and the Institute of International Relations. Together, these units provide abundant and comprehensive resources for research and education in international law.
On the other hand, as the scope of modern international law continues to expand, its areas of concern now include marine resources, outer space utilization, international trade, drug control, cultural heritage, environmental protection, intellectual property rights, and human rights protection—covering virtually all aspects of global affairs. The rules of international law are not only observed in international courts and diplomatic practice but also exert significant regulatory influence on domestic administrative measures, legislative practices, and judicial processes in various countries. In this sense, international law is pervasive. To provide students and scholars at National Chengchi University with an excellent environment for international law education and research, and to continue the university’s strong tradition in this field, the College of International Affairs therefore decided to establish the Research Center for International Legal Studies.
The “Research Center for International Legal Studies” was formally approved for establishment at the 43rd College Affairs Meeting of the College of International Affairs on April 10, 2009. Professor Chen Chun-Yi from the Department of Diplomacy was appointed as Director on August 1 of the same year. The Director is responsible for overall decision-making and execution of the center’s operations, planning its development direction, and supervising administrative affairs. In addition, the center invites faculty members from within and outside the university to serve as affiliated researchers, forming a research team that assists in implementing research projects, providing consultation, organizing conferences, building databases, and handling editorial work.
Development Goals
Promote and advance research and teaching in public international law, private international law, international economic law, and other legal fields related to international affairs, as well as legal studies concerning cross-strait relations between Taiwan and mainland China.
Encourage interdisciplinary and interdepartmental integrated research within and beyond the university.
Promote academic and practical exchanges.
Publish research outputs.
Actively cultivate talent in international law.
Future Development
Following its establishment, the center will focus on popularizing knowledge of international law, promoting research and publication in international legal studies, building databases, enriching website content, and analyzing and commenting on current events related to international law. Through diverse approaches, it aims to showcase the multifaceted nature of international law, bridge the gap between international law and domestic law, and overcome divisions within international legal studies. Ultimately, the center seeks to enhance the importance placed on international law within both the legal community and society at large.
Center Members
Director: Distinguished Professor Chen Chun-Yi, Department of Diplomacy
Deputy Director: Assistant Professor Tsai Pei-Lun, Department of Diplomacy
Center Website:
https://www.rcils.nccu.edu.tw/