Topics in STEP: International Law and Geopolitics in an Era of Climate Disruption

Students examine the areas of international law considered to be core to peace and security (including the UN Charter and the role of the Security Council, international human rights, international criminal law, state responsibility, and state sovereignty) respond to geopolitical upheavals driven by disruptive global forces, with a particular focus on anthropogenic disruption of the Earth's climate system. Students thus spend a significant part of the course learning key public international law concepts and doctrines. Additionally, it looks at how national security law and policy is beginning to incorporate climate-related issues.