McDougal Lecture

Myres S. McDougal Distinguished Lecture in International Law

Established in 1976, the Myres S. McDougal Distinguished Lecture in International Law features eminent jurists and scholars addressing various aspects of international law and policy. Myres S. McDougal was one of the most influential scholars in the history of international law, and Professor Ved Nanda’s mentor at Yale Law School.

The lecture that bears the McDougal name attracts academics, statesmen and others who are lauded as the best in their respective fields of expertise. Presentation of the McDougal Lecture, as well as other addresses by visiting scholars and guests, is accompanied by opportunities for the students to meet and converse with the speakers.

Professor Michael Scharf, Dean, Case Western Reserve Law School

Wednesday, 10/9 | 5PM – 7PM | LAW 165 & Forum
THE SYRIA CONFLICT’S IMPACT ON INTERNATIONAL LAW
Free; 1 general CLE credit ($20)                    

The Nanda Center recognized Professor Michael Scharf as the 2019-2020 Myres S. McDougal Distinguished Lecturer in Human Rights for his extraordinary ongoing contributions and leadership in the advancement of international law and policy.

Scharf discussed that the international law of self-defense and of humanitarian intervention have been fundamentally altered by events in Syria. He contended that the abuse of the veto during the Syria crisis has led to the greatest shift in power—from the UN Security Council to the UN General Assembly—since the 1970 Uniting for Peace resolution.

Michael Scharf is co-Dean of the Case Western Reserve Law School, Joseph C. Hostetler – Baker/Hostetler Professor of Law, and Managing Director of the Public International Law and Policy Group, a Nobel Peace Prize-nominated NGO. His areas of expertise include International Law, International Criminal Law, International Human Rights Law, Law of International Organizations, and National Security Law. He served as Attorney-Adviser for UN Affairs at the US Department of State. He has been the host and producer of “Talking Foreign Policy,” a radio program broadcast on WCPN 90.3 FM and other NPR affiliate stations across the country. He is the author of over 100 scholarly articles and 19 books, three of which have won national book of the year honors. His newest book, The Syria Conflict’s Impact on International Law, is forthcoming (University of Cambridge Press, 2019).

Past Recipients