Seminar in the Law of Nationbuilding
Spring, 2005
Course description
The seminar will meet on Tuesdays, 4:00-5:50 pm, and is worth 2 credits. Prof. Perritt will be the main instructor for the course. The course number is 678-071.
Students enrolled in this seminar will select paper topics through discussions with the instructors and other students. It is contemplated that some students will focus on Cuba, as explained in the following paragraphs. Other students may focus on Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq and other recent examples of international political trusteeships. Students also may focus on insurgencies, such as the Kosovo Liberation Army in Kosovo, insurgencies in Afghanistan and Mexico and Al Qaeda. All students will be expected to interact with each other and to explore literature of common interest to the several topics.
Within the Law of Nationbuilding Seminar, there will be a section looking at Law and the Market.
Cuban Interest Section: Law and The Market
This group will focus on Cuba and may take a trip to Cuba during Spring Break.
The goal of this group is to explore alternative perspectives on the rule of
law and its place in maintaining and facilitating markets. As one of the world's
last remaining command economies, Cuba offers a unique perspective on the problems
and challenges facing the many societies currently or forseeably facing a transition
to a market economy within the contemporary global context. We will examine
a range of issues relating to the creation and manipulation of different kinds
of markets for food systems, education, and healthcare, as well
as evaluate the role of law and particular pieces of legislation as a prelude
to political reform (e.g.,The Helms-Burton Act). Readings will involve an historical
overview of economic interpretations of the law ranging from Marx to current
Law & Economics philosophy. Theoretical readings will be combined with cases
involving statutory law and international treaty, using the cases as vehicles
to discuss the theories. Emphasis will be on the role of law and its relation
to markets, the role of the state in creating markets, and, by comparing socialist
and free market approaches to organizing economic activity, we will
look at how law is utilized as a tool for development, sustainable growth, and
support of life systems.