Change of guard

Abstract

Dr René Lefeber stayed at the helm of the Leiden Journal of International Law as its Editor-in-Chief for more than four important years (1996–2000), marked by innovation and change in practically every aspect of the Journal. Barely two years after a profound reorganization , the Journal's volume was doubled with three issues per year in 1997, and four issues in 1998. Meanwhile, the number of pages, the quality, and the diversity of published material saw dramatic growth. The section on Hague International Tribunals became a standard feature; a subsection on the International Criminal Court was set up in 1998 to regularly cover ongoing developments in this important institution; an annual specialized bibliography on dispute settlement was introduced; and regular Editorial notes by members of the Board figured in each issue. All in all, a very different Journal than the one handed down four years earlier. During the same period the Journal desired to become a more accessible forum to a younger and much more diversified audience of international law professionals. From the mainstream to the newstream and back, room was created next to established scholars for voices representing a changing discipline of public international law. The representation of a more diverse " college of international law, " to use Oscar Schachter's oft-cited phrase, has not only guided the choice of style and themes of the contributions but also the composition of the new Board of Advisory and Consultative Editors, introduced in 2000. The ranks of the Board of Editors itself were affected, now a busy crowd of engaged colleagues from various walks of the discipline. Although the transformation of the Leiden Journal was a collective project, René's vision, resilience, and skill were pivotal in achieving the necessary balance between stability and change. His thoroughness in the management of the Journal affairs and his high expectations have set the standard for the future. René has now taken up a new and challenging senior position at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where we know that he will make his presence felt. We are grateful for his invaluable contribution to the Leiden Journal and wish him the best of luck and success in his future career and projects. The issue in hand introduces some further changes in the content of the Journal and in the composition of the Board of Editors, in a never-ending process of transformation. Seizing this opportunity, we would …