Hanspeter Neuhold

Hanspeter Neuhold is a Professor of International Law and International Relations at the University of Vienna, where he also serves as Director of the postgraduate Master of Advanced International Studies (M.A.I.S.) program. He is a Visiting Professor at the College of Europe in Bruges. He holds a Doctorate in Law from the University of Vienna (1965) and a Diplôme from the Institut des hautes études internationales in Paris (1967). His academic career includes roles as former Director of the Austrian Institute for International Affairs (1988–1996), former head of the Department of Public International Law (1996–2000), and Vice-President of the German Society of International Law (1997–2001). Neuhold is a founding member of the European Society of International Law (ESIL) established in 2004.

His research focuses on theoretical aspects of international law, force and law dynamics in international relations, international security frameworks, legal dimensions of the Balkan conflicts, and transatlantic relations. He has contributed to studies on the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) of the EU, Austrian foreign policy, and the EU's evolving security architecture.

Neuhold's publications span theoretical and applied international law, emphasizing security studies and institutional challenges. His work analyzes the interplay between legal norms and realpolitik in conflict scenarios, EU policy coherence, and the legitimacy of international legal frameworks. He has authored major works including The Law of International Conflict (2016) and edited influential handbooks like the Österreichisches Handbuch des Völkerrechts.

His academic leadership includes shaping interdisciplinary programs at the University of Vienna and fostering international collaboration through roles at institutions like the College of Europe. His contributions bridge legal scholarship with practical policy analysis in global governance contexts.