We will examine how international organizations and transnational networks develop international law and use legal and non-legal tools to shape domestic practices. While international organizations have limited enforcement capabilities, \\"almost all nations observe almost all principles of international law almost all of the time.\\" Drawing from legal and social science literatures, we will study how hard and soft international law shape the conduct of governments, courts, NGOs, expert networks and mass publics. We will investigate mechanisms that generate conformity and non-conformity with international norms, including coercion, political economy considerations, learning and socialization. The course has no prerequisites, and will provide a good opportunity for students interested in writing on international law topics. Students will be asked to write a 20-30 page paper on a topic of their Choice.
Students will receive printout of the materials which will also be available on b-space.
Course is cross listed with Law 261.17
Course Starts January 9, 2013