Prerequisites: Public International Law

Exam Type: No Exam

The United Nations Security Council is at the heart of the post-WWII international order. It is often referred to as the world’s executive, but it is also increasingly exercising legislative power. Its discretion is extensive, if not unlimited. Its power is ostensibly justified, as states have conferred to it the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. Has the Council lived up to this weighty challenge?

In this reading group, we will explore this question by examining several contemporary legal and policy issues concerning the Security Council. These may include questions of war and peace, proposals for Council reform, pandemic response, terrorism, and others (including potentially issues developing in real-time during the semester).

Note: This reading group will meet on the following dates: 9/17, 10/1, 10/15, 10/22, 11/12, 11/19