German Yearbook of International Law: Origins, Development, Prospects

This chapter examines the history, development, function, and future of the German Yearbook of International Law (GYIL). The chapter traces the evolution of the GYIL over many decades, from its inception in the aftermath of the Second World War to the present day, demonstrating how it has moved beyond its origins as a forum in which German scholars could publish their research to become a global platform for the dissemination of scholarship in international law. The chapter also aims to show how the structure and contents of the GYIL have developed in the years since its establishment, reflecting in particular on the impact of the decision to begin to publish contributions authored in English in order to reach the widest possible international audience and the introduction of a double-blind peer review procedure. The chapter concludes that the function and future of the GYIL lie in its capacity to inform a global readership about current research and practice in the sphere of international law taking place in Germany while, at the same time, presenting international viewpoints to a German audience