Michael Murphy

Michael Murphy is a Visiting Fellow at the Max Planck Institute for Comparative and International Private Law, appointed from September 2021 to March 2022. He holds a PhD from Royal Holloway, University of London, and focuses on developing a Decolonial Philosophy of Law to address the legitimacy and transformation of democratic institutions. His work critiques colonial legacies in legal frameworks while proposing inclusive alternatives.

Education:

• PhD in Social and Political Theory, Royal Holloway, University of London

Research Interests: Murphy’s research interrogates the fragility of democratic systems through decolonial lenses, integrating Japanese philosopher Watsuji Tetsurō’s ideas with critical cosmopolitan theories. He explores how law can transition from an instrument of colonial oppression to a tool fostering equitable participation. His interdisciplinary approach bridges legal philosophy, political theory, and decolonial studies.

Affiliations & Support: He joined the Institute’s „Decolonial Comparative Law” research group led by Ralf Michaels, emphasizing collaborative innovation. Colleagues and institutional staff provided robust support during his tenure, highlighting the Institute’s ethos of academic nurturing.