Research Initiatives

Public International Law

human rights initiative

The Human Rights Initiative promotes the study, understanding and implementation of universal human rights, as embodied in international treaties, regional agreements, and customary international law. This initiative considers the nature and basis of universal human rights and fundamental freedoms, and encourages their equal realization for all persons and nations. Professor Michael Higginbotham directs the Human Rights Initiative.

democratic institutions initiative

The Democratic Institutions Initiative studies and encourages the institutional development of democracy in national and international institutions. This initiative specifically considers the nature of the rule of law and the constitutional, administrative, and legislative processes that support democratic reform and a just legal order. Professor Charles Tiefer directs the Democratic Institutions Initiative.

environmental law initiative

The Environmental Law Initiative advances the development of international environmental standards and agreements, with special emphasis on climate change and biological diversity. Professor Steven Davison directs the Environmental Law Initiative.

International Business and Economic Law

competitive markets initiative

The Competitive Markets Initiative considers the development of national and international markets, with special emphasis on how national antitrust, trade and foreign investment laws and policies affect industrial competitiveness and the welfare of consumers. This initiative promotes improved international and national markets through the comparison of existing rules and legal systems. Professor Robert Lande directs the Competitive Markets Initiative.

intellectual property initiative

The Intellectual Property Initiative promotes the study, understanding, and implementation of international protection for intellectual property rights. This initiative compares different national regimes and encourages the improvement of international institutions. Professor Max Oppenheimer directs the Intellectual Property Initiative.

commercial transactions initiative

The Commercial Transactions Initiative focuses on the international regulation of commercial transactions between private parties, and between private parties and foreign governments, with special emphasis on the sale of goods under international, national, and multilateral agreements. Professor Barbara White directs the Commercial Transactions Initiative.