Masterclass 2027

Israel, International Law, the Middle East

What the Masterclass focuses on:

Israel and the Middle East
The United Nations
International courts and tribunals
NGOs and treaty-monitoring bodies
Regional organizations

Lecturers

Meet the academics, legal practitioners and policy experts teaching the thinc.academy Masterclass 2027. Bringing together perspectives from international law, military affairs and diplomacy, our lecturers connect academic insights with practical experience to help you engage with complex legal questions.
UKLFI 

Natasha Hausdorff

Lawyer
Henry Jackson Society

Andrew Fox

Military and Middle East analyst
UCLA

Prof. Steven E. Zipperstein

Professor of Public Policy
UKLFI

Jonathan Turner

Lawyer
Texas Tech University School of Law

Prof. Geoffrey S. Corn

Professor of Criminal Law
Reichman University

Prof. Daphné Richemond-Barak

Professor of International Law
Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Prof. Robbie Sabel

Professor of International Law
NGO Monitor

Anne Herzberg

Legal Counsel
University of Wollongong (Australia)

Prof. Gregory Rose

Professor of International Law
thinc.

Andrew Tucker

Lawyer
Justus Liebig University, Giessen

Prof. Wolfgang Bock

Professor of Public Law
Utrecht University, Faculty of Law 

Dr. Matthijs de Blois

Professor (em.) of International Law

What you will do:

Engage in intensive academic study
Refine your leadership and communication skills
Learn directly from senior legal scholars and practitioners
Strengthen your ability to advocate and influence in international forums
Apply your knowledge through realistic casework

The legal training focuses specifically on:

  • Israel and the Middle East

  • The United Nations
  • International courts and tribunals
  • NGOs and treaty-monitoring bodies
  • Regional organizations

Throughout the program, you will:

    • Engage in intensive academic study
    • Learn directly from senior legal scholars and practitioners
    • Apply your knowledge through realistic casework
    • Refine your leadership and communication skills
    • Strengthen your ability to advocate and influence in international forums

Program includes

01 | Israel on Trial - Foundational course (online)

This phase provides the legal and contextual foundation for the rest of the program.

• Explore key principles, treaties, and cases in international law relevant to Israel and the Middle East.
• Analyze primary legal sources and major precedents from the ICJ, ICC, and other international institutions.
• Apply legal frameworks to historical and contemporary disputes.

16 expert-led lectures, self-study materials, primary legal sources, and live academic sessions.

Apply now to access the detailed curriculum.

02 | Live Workshops with experts (online)

This phase offers expert-led workshops combining in-depth analysis, case studies, and practical engagement with some of the most complex legal and institutional issues concerning Israel and the Middle East.

Examples of workshop topics include:

• Palestinian Statehood and Sovereignty claims
• Lawfare and Genocide claims
• The Battlefield and the Courtroom: Military Ethics and the Law of Armed Conflict in the Gaza Conflict of 2023
• Israel at the United Nations: Understanding the UN General Assembly, the UN Human Rights System, and Multilateral Diplomacy
• The ‘Two-State Solution’: Legal and Political Dimensions
• International Courts and the use of International Law against Israel

Workshop topics are indicative and may be adapted to reflect current developments and the expertise of participating professionals.

03 | Training Conference in The Hague (9-14 May 2027)

An immersive legal and policy training at the heart of the international justice system from 9–14 May 2027, including:

• Visits to the ICC, ICJ and diplomatic institutions
• Practical workshops on advocacy, negotiation, and public legal argumentation
• Training in social media advocacy and strategic communication
• Networking sessions with diplomats, court officials, and leading legal practitioners


Accommodation, lunches and dinners included; airfares and local transport besides the visits not included.

Program Includes

01

Israel on Trial - Foundational course (online).

This phase provides the legal and contextual foundation for the rest of the program.
  • Study key treaties, cases, and principles of international law relevant to Israel and the Middle East.
  • Analyze primary legal sources and precedents from the ICJ, ICC, and other tribunals.
  • Apply legal principles to historical and current disputes.

02

Legal Masterclasses & Advocacy Workshops (online)

This phase offers three advanced legal masterclasses combining in-depth understanding, case analysis, and practical exercises on complex legal issues surrounding Israel and the Middle East.

  • Palestinian Statehood and Sovereignty Claims
  • Amnesty, Human Rights Watch, and the Role of NGOs in Lawfare Against Israel
  • The Battlefield and the Courtroom: Military Ethics and the Law of Armed Conflict in the Gaza Conflict of 2023.
  • The ‘Two-State Solution’: Legal and Political Dimensions.
  • Lawfare and Genocide Claims.
  • The Bias of International Courts: ICJ and ICC Under Scrutiny.
  • Trump Peace Plan for the Middle East.

03

Training Conference in The Hague
(May 2027)

An immersive legal and policy training experience at the heart of the international justice system.

  • Visits to the ICC, ICJ, embassies, and key legal institutions
  • Practical workshops on advocacy, negotiation, and public legal argumentation
  • Training in social media advocacy and strategic communication
  • Networking sessions with diplomats, court officials, and leading legal practitioners


Accommodation, lunches and dinners included; airfares and local transports not included.
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Ideal for students & young professionals (20–40) in: 

  • Law
  • International Relations
  • Politics
  • Journalism
  • and related fields

Post Masterclass

Connect with international peers
Apply for Internships at thinc.
Apply for a sponsored fellowship at an office of influence

Start your learning journey today!

Online & The Hague
February through May 2027
Max. 30 participants worldwide
Applications open until 20.01.27

Alumni Stories

Dina

“In just three days, I learned more useful information than in an entire semester of Middle East Studies at university.”

Glenn

“The quality of the lecturers, their expertise, and the depth of insight brought together in one program was first rate.”

Alexis

“The Masterclass combined deep legal learning with real-world exposure to debates and challenges surrounding Israel.”

Zoe

“The live debate brought the legal issues to life and showed how the knowledge gained in the course applies in the real world.”

Natalie

“The military-focused sessions were especially valuable, addressing crucial aspects of the conflict that are rarely explored in depth.”

Daniel

“The expert sessions gave me practical knowledge I can apply directly to my work in international law.”

How does it work?

1. Apply for a seat (open until 20.01.27)  
2. We’ll review your application
3. We’ll contact you to complete your registration

Apply now

Fee:  USD 3,400 / EUR 3,000
The detailed program will be sent to you after registration.
Includes:
  • All program phases 
  • Accommodation
  • Meals in The Hague
Applications open until 20.01.27

About thinc.

The Hague Initiative for International Cooperation (thinc.) is an independent think tank, drawing on a global network of international law academics, practitioners and experts in related disciplines.

Founded in 2017 in The Hague – the global capital of international law – thinc.'s mission is to promote peace and security in the Middle East and beyond through the fair and consistent application of international law. We challenge the political misuse and subversion of international law and legal frameworks, advocating instead for principled legal standards that respect the sovereign equality of states and foster regional stability and cooperation.
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