About Us
The Institute for International Law and Politics was established to promote teaching and research in this area of the intersection of international law and international relations. Recent developments such as the American refusal to ratify the Statue of the International Criminal Court, or the rejection of the Kyoto Agreement, or the efforts to gain particular language in a Security Council resolution on Iraq are difficult to assess in the absence of an understanding of legal rules and an appreciation of the ways in which these rules may affect behavior.
Goals
The Institute has three primary goals. First, it supports and enhances teaching and research at Georgetown in the area of international law. Second, it seeks to inform the public policy debate about the nature, role and importance of international law in foreign and domestic politics. Third, it aims to promote a better understanding of international law within the disciplines of political science and international relations.
- Enhancing Teaching and Research in International Law
- To offer specialized courses in international law for both undergraduate and graduate students
- To administer a new M.A. in International Law and Government
- To provide research support for faculty and graduate students
- To support book-length projects on selected international legal issues
- Informing the Public Policy Debate about the Nature, Role, and Importance of International Law
- To sponsor panel discussions and conferences on important international legal issues
- To draft periodic memoranda analyzing current policy issues from the perspective of international law
- To conduct a Summer Institute on International Law for judges, government officials, and individuals from the private sector
- Promoting an Understanding of International Law within Political Science and Related Disciplines
- To educate political scientists and other social scientists about the study, function, and role of international law by bringing them to the Institute for research fellowships
- To conduct a Summer Institute on International Law for political scientists and international relations scholars
If you're interested in learning more about the M.A. program, fellowship opportunities or would like to volunteer your time at the Institute, please feel free to contact us to express your interest.