global network of friends and colleagues. However, many students do not fully exploit this excellent opportunity, as they are sometimes too focused on winning the competition. Sometimes, it is not just about winning the argument or the competition; rather, it is about the experience that you can gain—and in most cases, this is an invaluable asset that many students can take with them after the competition is over. Of course, the building of international relationships does not necessary require students to engage actively in a personal one-on-one conversation with everyone there. Rather, a student’s team spirit and professionalism throughout the competition demonstrates to the judges and to the other competitors their willingness to further engage in building these strong relationships.


Misconceptions of Mooting Many spectators view mooting as simply getting in front of a judge and making the best possible argument in order to win the case. Of course, it is more than that. As many mooters know, a 20 minute argument takes countless hours of legal research and preparation. This is, however, the easy part. When you have done the necessary research, applied it to the facts of your case and formed your argument, you can finally present it in front of a panel of judges. Your presentation is never a monologue; judges will always ask questions and your opponents will resist and counter your argument in every possible


manner. Of course, there are many formalities that you have to follow, such as addressing your judge and opponent in the correct manner, and using the correct language: for example, “My Lady, in my submission….” or “it is our submissions, Your Excellency, that…”


Mooting: A Lesson in Building International Relationships


So, what do these things have to do with building international relationships? The simple answer is everything. One of they key things that an international mooting competition—or any major mooting competition— promotes is dialogue. It is a dialogue between the mooter and the judges, the mooters and other competitors, and the mooter and their teammates. Certainly, building international relations or any relationship require dialogue. Without a dialogue, problems will not be resolved and there will be no consensus on anything.


As a mooter, a good argument— even a brilliant argument—can only go so far. How you present that argument and how you can persuade your judge is the cornerstone of winning your competition. As a mooter, you must be firm and strong with your argument, but you must be diplomatic and professional. You must tactfully discredit your opponents’ argument without directly saying: “you are wrong!” You must maintain your composure and emotions, as it will affect the judge’s perception


of you. Finally, and probably most importantly, although you do may agree with your opponent’s— or even the judge’s—opinion, you must respect it. In my opinion, a good mooter will not only respect their opponent’s different views, but understand its weaknesses and strengths to further enhance his or her own argument. Essentially, all of this is known as diplomacy and mutual respect. Both notions form the key foundation of international relationships. It is very unlikely that everyone shares the same values and moral principles, especially when coming from foreign states with different values and norms. Therefore, it is important to recognise everyone’s differences while still being able to assert your own values and beliefs. Being able to do this under the pressure of a competition will surely be good practice for future lawyers and international mediators.


Although not very apparent, international mooting competitions provide students with the opportunity to understand how one should build relationships. These skills are not restricted to the competition; rather, they are important life skills. This is especially important for individuals who would like a career in international law firms, international relations, or any career that requires interactions between different individuals. Therefore, students should take advantage of this excellent opportunity to practice these essential skills.


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