Why I Created the Nomos Foundation: A Reflection

Reflection by Hakan Camuz, Chairman of Nomos Foundation and Nomos Centre for Future Warfare (NCFW)

Throughout my career in law, the principles of justice and the rule of law have always been at the forefront of my work. My experience within international law, particularly at the International Criminal Court (ICC), has deepened my commitment to these ideals and, ultimately, inspired me to give back to the legal community. This led me to establish the Nomos Foundation, a philanthropic endeavour designed to fund scholars pursuing PhD programmes in the UK focused on law, war, and new emerging technologies.

The decision to create Nomos Foundation was shaped by a series of personal and professional challenges. During my work on cases in Syria and Yemen, I uncovered war crimes that underscored the urgent need for the international community to stay ahead of evolving threats. The horrors I witnessed firsthand confirmed that human rights law must adapt to the rapid changes brought on by technological advances. Modern conflicts, particularly in regions like the Middle East, are increasingly influenced by digital warfare, surveillance technologies, and other innovations that challenge traditional legal frameworks. My own country of origin in fact, Türkiye are fast developing several new innovative defence weapon systems, but have limited legal minds to understand the jurisprudence that may go along with new ways of fighting. 

These experiences ignited a passion in me to support the next generation of legal minds. I want to encourage scholars who will not only grapple with the complexities of contemporary conflicts but also understand the diverse legal traditions that shape the global legal landscape. A key aspect of my vision for the Nomos Foundation is to foster a new generation of legal experts who are equipped to engage with alternative legal codes, such as Islamic law, alongside international law. These legal systems often provide unique insights into governance, justice, and conflict resolution, which are invaluable as we look to address modern-day challenges. In our global context today, following the genocidal acts seen in gaza, international law has been on trial, as have the humanity of everyone. There is a lack of trust in international law and the global south are already thinking about alternative codes to govern statehood, regional dynamics and indeed warfare. The Nomos Foundation encourages its fellows to lead in this type of thinking within the realm of academia. 

As I reflect on the purpose of the Nomos Foundation, the holy month of Ramadan has been particularly poignant. Ramadan is a time for self-reflection, spiritual growth, and a commitment to serving others. It has prompted me to reconsider the foundation’s mission and the importance of fostering collaboration and scholarship in the pursuit of justice. During this month of reflection, I find myself even more deeply connected to the idea of contributing to a new generation of scholars who can make a tangible impact on the world. The values of patience, perseverance, and empathy, which are central to Ramadan, are also the values I hope to instill in the fellows who will be part of the Nomos Foundation.

In line with this vision, I have recently established a new centre within the foundation, the Nomos Centre for Future Warfare (NCFW). This centre will serve as a hub for early-career researchers, offering them a platform to present their ongoing academic work and thought leadership. Nomos Foundation is to recruit more fellows who will focus on designated areas of law, war, and emerging technologies. This will not only provide them with the support and mentorship they need to thrive but also contribute to the development of ideas that can address the critical issues of our time. As part of the Nomos Foundation’s commitment to fostering academic growth, I look forward to seeing these researchers push the boundaries of knowledge, challenge conventional thinking, and create innovative solutions for a rapidly changing world.

By funding PhD students and supporting early-career scholars, the Nomos Foundation aims to build a more holistic understanding of the intersection between law, war, and technology. The foundation will empower scholars to push the boundaries of legal research, ensuring that we not only hold perpetrators accountable but also develop innovative legal solutions to the complex issues of our time.