Deadline for submissions: 31 March 2026 (rolling submissions accepted until this date)
The Central Asia Yearbook on International Law (CAYIL) is the first academic publication of its kind in the region. It is designed to promote rigorous and original research in international law with a specific focus on Central Asia. The Yearbook responds to a longstanding gap in scholarly publishing by offering a dedicated platform for legal analysis situated in and oriented toward the region. The first volume will be published in 2026 by De Gruyter Brill under the imprint Brill | Nijhoff.
We invite scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to submit papers for consideration in the inaugural volume of the Yearbook. Submissions will be considered on a rolling basis, with the final deadline of 31 March 2026.
Scope of the Yearbook
We particularly welcome contributions that explore international law from a Central Asian viewpoint, are written by Central Asian scholars, or center on issues relevant to the region, although papers on broader topics of international law will also be considered. In addition to peer-reviewed scholarly articles, the Yearbook also publishes:
- practice-oriented essays,
- reflections on recent legal developments,
- case and treaty notes,
- reviews of relevant literature, and
- surveys of State practice in the region.
Aims and Audiences
The Yearbook seeks to advance academic dialogue both within Central Asia and between Central Asian scholars and their global counterparts. It is intended as a resource for:
- academics and researchers in international law,
- legal practitioners and government officials in Central Asia,
- diplomats and policymakers in international organisations and foreign ministries,
- graduate students and educators, and
- think tanks, NGOs, and civil society organisations engaged in legal reform and international cooperation.
Editorial Standards
The Yearbook is supported by an international Editorial Board and a distinguished Advisory Board, composed of both Central Asian legal scholars working abroad and foreign experts on Central Asian law. This ensures that contributions meet the highest academic standards while reflecting the region’s distinct legal and institutional experiences.
Submission Guidelines
- Submissions should be written in clear academic English.
- Articles should not exceed 10,000 words including footnotes; shorter notes, essays, and reviews are also welcome.
- For citations, please use the Oxford University Standard for the Citation of Legal Authorities (OSCOLA), 4th edition: OSCOLA Guidelines (PDF).
- Authors are expected to adhere to De Gruyter Brill’s AI Policy for Authors, meaning any use of AI tools in drafting or preparing submissions must be transparently disclosed, and authors must ensure that they retain intellectual ownership and responsibility for the content.
- All submissions will be subject to double-blind peer review.
Contact
Manuscripts and inquiries should be sent to:
Professor Sergey Sayapin
Editor, Central Asia Yearbook on International Law
School of Law, KIMEP University
Email: s.sayapin@kimep.kz
Photo source: Freepik
