ASIL Outreach

The past decade has found international law not only more frequently in the news, but also more noticeably in our lives. It has become imperative to adapt ASIL education programs for broader policy making audiences and the public. The Society's outreach programs reach those whose work historically had been less engaged with international law. The initial audiences for this work include members of the judiciary and the media.

We are now strengthening these outreach programs, expanding efforts with the policy community, and introducing information for the general public. The goal of this work is to become a more interactive educational membership organization anchored in scholarship yet serving wider audiences.  This transformation is part of the Society's centennial-period programming.

Judicial Outreach

Guided by an Advisory Board of judges, the ASIL judicial outreach program consists of international law programs at circuit conferences, workshops developed in partnership with the Federal Judicial Center and other institutions, and information resources such as International Law: A Handbook for Judges. Issues addressed have included non-citizens' rights, international trade, enforcement of foreign judgments, and child custody.

Media Outreach

Whether reporting on a trade dispute before the WTO or describing defendant rights in anti-terrorism cases, the media today need quick access to reliable international law experts and information for general audiences. The Tools for Media and In the News pages on our Web site are there to help.

Law School Outreach

At law schools throughout the United States and around the world, international law is taught in a great variety of ways. Through programs serving students and career offices, as well as professors and deans, the ASIL brings accessible international law information onto campuses.

Policy Community Outreach

Through public briefings and off-the-record roundtables, leading officials of the U.S. government and other policy makers meet with international law experts to exchange views and learn from each other. Other knowledge-sharing efforts are in development. Click here to see examples of a two-part series of roundtables co-sponsored with the Council on Foreign Relations (Old Rules, New Threats and the U.N. Secretary General’s High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges, and Change.)

Funding for these ASIL outreach programs is provided in part by the Better World Fund, the Ford Foundation, the Hauser Foundation, and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.