The International Review of Law (IRL) is a biannual, peer-reviewed law journal published by the College of Law, Qatar University, through Qatar University Press. IRL publishes in three languages: Arabic, English, and French. Since its launch in 2012, the journal has been dedicated to fostering a contemporary legal discourse that transcends borders and cultures. IRL welcomes in-depth legal research on national and comparative law in a way that enriches the global legal environment and increases their exposure to other disciplines and systems, as well as international legal instruments. IRL prioritizes the publication of comparative studies that explore the intersections between various foreign laws, model laws, and international frameworks. Additionally, IRL publishes insightful commentaries on legislation and court rulings, contributing to the global exchange of legal knowledge. As an open-access platform, IRL ensures unrestricted access to its research studies, allowing scholars and readers worldwide to benefit from its contributions without geographical limitations.

Vision

IRL aspires to become a central and trusted source for legal research globally. Its focus, scope, and strategic geopolitical positioning—bridging the East and the West—serve as key pillars in achieving this vision.

Mission Statement

IRL is a tri-lingual, peer-reviewed, and open-access journal published biannually by Qatar University's College of Law through Qatar University Press. Dedicated to fostering a dynamic and inclusive global exchange of legal knowledge, IRL serves as a platform for innovative scholarship that bridges diverse legal traditions, enhances cross-jurisdictional understanding, and contributes to the advancement of contemporary legal discourse.

With a comprehensive and interdisciplinary focus, IRL publishes research that examines the intersections between national laws and international legal frameworks, exploring both regional and non-regional jurisdictions. The journal prioritizes comparative studies that analyze how domestic legal systems interact with international conventions and instruments, encompassing a broad spectrum of legal fields.

IRL is committed to engaging with and contributing to the international scholarly discourse by amplifying regional perspectives that have historically been underrepresented in global legal research. By highlighting these unique viewpoints, the journal enriches global legal scholarship and encourages a more nuanced understanding of legal systems worldwide.

The journal aims to attract leading legal scholars from the region and beyond, encouraging the submission of high-quality research that addresses the needs and interests of an international readership of academics, practitioners, and policymakers. By advancing studies that incorporate comparative perspectives and critically engage with legislation and judicial decisions, IRL contributes to addressing the evolving legal challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world.

Grounded in Qatar’s vision of fostering legal innovation and adaptability, IRL reflects the role of law as both a bridge between cultures and a means of addressing societal, economic, and environmental challenges. With its strategic position at the crossroads of East and West, the journal facilitates meaningful dialogue and collaboration across diverse legal systems. Through its Diamond open-access model, IRL ensures that its research remains accessible to scholars and readers worldwide, reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity and the free exchange of ideas.

History

Having a vision to become a primary trusted hub for international legal scholarly dialogue—specifically addressing intersections and comparisons between international laws and the national or regional laws of the Middle East, North Africa (MENA) and GCC countries—Qatar University’s College of Law established the IRL in 2012. The journal was created to reflect Qatar’s commitment to adapting international legislation to societal, political, economic, and environmental challenges, not only within Qatar and the GCC but also globally.

IRL was initially published in 2012 by Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation Journals which became Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press in 2016. In 2018, IRL’s publication transitioned to Qatar University Press, established as a unit under the Research and Graduate Studies division at Qatar University. This shift underscored the university’s vibrant research culture and its mission to position itself as a beacon for knowledge production and innovation worldwide.

Core Values

At IRL and QU Press, we are committed to upholding the following research and corporate values. These principles inspire our authors, editors, and peer reviewers, guiding them toward a shared goal of research excellence:

1. Innovation and Creativity: Prioritizing impactful research that addresses significant topical gaps, while avoiding redundant or purely descriptive studies.
2. Practicality and Applicability: Ensuring that research objectives, hypotheses, and outcomes are relevant and actionable.
3. Objectivity and Impartiality: Adhering to rigorous standards of neutrality throughout the research process.
4. Contextual Awareness: Incorporating cultural, historical, and socio-economic contexts to enrich research insights.
5. Robust Foundations: Building hypotheses and theories on well-established correlations and sound reasoning.
6. Acknowledgment of Limitations: Transparently recognizing research constraints to identify future directions and areas for further exploration.
7. Research Ethics: Upholding ethical standards through institutional and individual approvals.
8. Risk Awareness: Exercising caution and addressing potential risks to hypotheses and results.
9. Validation and Improvement: Strengthening research quality through thorough testing and peer review.
10. Commitment to Human Rights and International Law: Aligning research with universal principles and legal frameworks.
11. Promoting Cooperation: Advocating for collaboration and partnerships in research endeavors.
12. Freedom of Expression: Encouraging the open exchange of ideas and perspectives.
13. Equity and Justice: Championing fairness and inclusivity for all.
14. Sustainable Growth: Advancing social and economic development as a paramount goal.
15. Knowledge Advancement: Contributing to the global body of knowledge for the benefit of society.