The War in Ukraine: The Past, Present, and Future of International Law, Geopolitics and Development

IGA 298 Subject & Catalog Number

Description

This seminar course uses the war in Ukraine as a lens to explore geopolitics, international law, and development challenges . Through an in-depth examination of the war and the range of responses to it, students will study the causes and consequences of contemporary conflict, the strengths and weaknesses of international institutions, and the challenges in securing enforcement of international law. While centered on Ukraine, the course uses the conflict as a means of examining how international institutions, states, and non-state actors respond to crises worldwide, illuminating broader questions of global governance, international development, and accountability. The course explores, for example, the UN system's and various countries’ responses to Russia’s invasion; Ukraine’s refugee flows and their impact on other countries’ political dynamics; and on-the-ground innovations in Ukraine’s technology, energy, and agriculture sectors. Students will develop skills in international legal analysis and policy memo writing through drafting response papers that sharpen their ability to assess policy and legal dilemmas and communicate practical solutions succinctly. By analyzing the challenges faced by Ukrainian and global actors, students will gain critical insight into the structures and tools shaping peace, justice, and stability in the modern international system.

Instructor Consent Required: For HKS students and cross-registration petitioners to apply for this course, submit a Statement of Interest (1-page double-sided max) and your resume to Ambassador Power's Assistant, Sarah Melendez, at sarah_melendez@hks.harvard.edu by Sunday, January 10, 2027 at 11:59 pm.

HLS applicants will follow the HLS Registrar's instructions to submit a Statement of Interest by October 9, 2026.

Course Notes

Also offered by the Law School as 3395. Final or Semester-End Paper - Students will have the option of completing a 20-25 pp. final paper or taking an exam at the end of the term. If HLS students would like their final paper to meet the JD Analytical Paper requirement, Ambassador Power will provide feedback on a draft paper and help facilitate peer feedback.