International Dispute Resolution

This four-unit course provides comprehensive exploration and inquiry of the theory and practice of international dispute resolution. Drawing from the disciplines of international law, international relations and conflict resolution, the course seeks to understand how the international community approaches the resolution of legal and political disputes and the armed conflicts they can be a part of. Part I focuses on the foundations of international dispute resolution, including its historical development, modern use practice, substantive sources of law and theoretical frameworks. Part II introduces the practical application of diplomatic (conciliation, diplomacy, negotiation, mediation) and adjudicative (judicial settlement, arbitration) methods for resolving conflicts and disputes. Part III pursues a critical analysis of central discourses and normative debates in this field, reading and responding to key themes and thinkers. In addition to considering the legal aspects of dispute resolution, the course will also engage political and policy dimensions as we review recent events.