At a time when normative and rule of law guardrails are eroding, international lawyers can play a crucial role in “promoting authentic international law” as opposed to flexible interpretations of the law that give leaders greater leeway to use force, Professor Mary Ellen O’Connell, member of CERL’s Advisory Council, argues in an opinion for EJIL: Talk! Trump’s second term may well provide the motivation to strengthen and establish common understanding around the legal frameworks governing war.  

Mary Ellen O’Connell is the Robert and Marion Short Professor of Law and Research Professor of International Dispute Resolution—Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame. Read her bio here.  

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