S. Law & Economic Statecraft

This seminar introduces students to the law, policy, and diplomacy of economic statecraft. Since the birth of the republic, the United States has relied on economic measures as foreign policy tools. Today, such measures are at the fore of U.S. policy with respect to such issues as Sino-U.S. competition, nuclear proliferators, the Ukraine war, and terrorism threats. Some critics assert that the United States now over relies on economic measures. The course will examine the legal bases and application of economic and financial sanctions, export controls, investment screening, foreign assistance, and arms transfers. It will rely heavily on case studies and discussions with current or former government officials to explore how lawyers and policymakers work together in applying these tools, their effectiveness in accomplishing U.S. policy goals, and the intersections of law and diplomacy. The structure of each day will generally run as follows: First, a study of key statutes, regulations, and executive orders. Second, application to case studies. And, third, discussion with guest practitioners. To receive credit, students will be required to participate actively in class discussions and to submit several short memoranda responding to prompts during the week.