Mortimer Sellers, José E. Alvarez, Michael P. Scharf, and Leila Nadya Sadat

The Categories:

ABILA Book of the Year Award: Awarded each year to the best book published in the previous year on international law or a topic in international law.

ABILA Practitioners Book Award: Awarded each year to the best book published in the previous year on a technical topic in international law or on a topic likely to be of particular interest to international law practitioners.

ABILA New Authors Book Award: This award is given each year to the best first book published in the previous year on international law or a topic in international law by an author who has not previously published a book on this or any other subject.

ABILA Edited Volume Award: Awarded each year to the best-edited volume published in the previous year on international law or a topic in international law.

The awards will be announced and presented to the recipients at International Law Weekend 2026, and the winner(s)’ names will be included in the list of all past Book of the Year Award winners on the ABILA website. See last year’s winners here.

SUBMISSION INFORMATION:

Eligible books must have been published within the calendar year of nomination or the preceding calendar year and must address some aspect of international law.

Procedure for nomination: Any person may nominate a book to the Award Committee. Please indicate which award(s) the book is being nominated for; to be considered for the award, the nominator, author(s), or publisher must send a copy of the book directly to each of the members of the ABILA Book Award Committee (see below). Books must be received by June 15, 2026. The books nominated will not be returned.

Members of the 2026 ABILA Book Awards Committee:

Prof. Mortimer Sellers
Chair, ABILA Book Awards Committee
615 County Line Road
Radnor, Pennsylvania 19087
U.S.A.

Prof. Fernanda Nicola
Washington College of Law
4300 Nebraska Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20016
U.S.A.

Prof. Alison Renteln
USC Gould School of Law
699 Exhibition Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90089-0071
U.S.A.

Send any questions to ilw@ila-americanbranch.org.

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Cynthia Lichtenstein, Honorary Vice President and former President of ABILA, left us physically on November 28, 2024 at the age of 90. But she will never leave us intellectually or emotionally. A good life lives on, and hers was chock full, raising a family and rising to the top of overlapping careers in law practice, academia and professional leadership.

She was exceptionally well grounded. One of her endearing practices was to extend a warm and enduring welcome to newcomers in each of her professional environments including ABILA. After her passing, one of her protégés on the Boston College Law faculty, her principal academic affiliation, recalled her advice about getting to work there in Boston traffic: “Unless you keep moving, you’re toast.” What an apt metaphor to describe Cynthia herself – witness the ever-changing advice about her specific whereabouts on her voicemail! Still, she liked stable surroundings. When a B.C. colleague gently reminded her that the movers would be coming to her office the very next day to prepare for repainting and recarpeting, she replied, “I don’t think so.”

Years later, on her retirement, her office alone at the law school still had the original paint and carpet. After retiring from B.C., she was largely anchored in just two locations: Stonington, CT and Sarasota, FL, both near water and boats, which she loved. During her so-called post-retirement, while teaching for a few years at George Washington Law School, she also kept a boat in a Potomac marina, in which I was privileged to stay a few times during meetings in Washington when she and her husband Charles were away.

Cynthia’s leadership in the ILA over many years was immense, ranging from the humdrum of routine management matters to pathfinding developments of the law in MOCOMILA, her niche committee on monetary law and practice. The biennial ILA Proceedings repeatedly reflect her advocacy of harmonized national laws and concern about the increasing complexity of financial markets. As a Vice Chair of the ILA she was characteristically insightful, measured and practical on the podium during Executive Council meetings. Her mind was brilliant, but her voice low-keyed. Within ABILA her workaday attention to detail was peerless. No wonder she was enthusiastically elected as ABILA’s first female President (1986-92) and, more recently (2020), as the first recipient of our service award. She was a fixture at biennial ILA conferences and semiannual ABILA meetings twice a year.

It is remarkable that after Cynthia suffered a serious stroke late in life, she kept her eye on the ball, never giving up hope to resume attendance at ILA conferences and ABILA meetings but meanwhile content to settle for occasional visits and phone conversations such as with ABILA President-Elect Amity Boye and me. She wasn’t always easy to reach at her retirement center in Sarasota, but when that was possible, she always, first and foremost, began our conversations by lamenting the loss of her beloved husband Charles, immediately followed by questions about the latest ILA and ABILA developments as well as thoughtful advice: “Here’s what we need to do, Jim…” Her memory of ILA and ABILA history, not to mention often humorous personal vignettes, was remarkable. Quelle femme!

We mourn her loss now but will treasure our memories of her forever.

Jim Nafziger

Vice Chair, ILA

Honorary Vice President and former President, ABILA

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This blog is part of a series of reflections on ILW 2023 by our Student Ambassadors. Each Student Ambassador engaged with a variety of panels and will be sharing their experiences over the spring and in the lead up to ILW 2024.

“Artificial intelligence (AI) cannot be regulated like other things. You cannot regulate AI in the same way as operating a nuclear power plant or participating in other commercial activities.” This quote from Professor Thomas Streinz perfectly captures the approach different lawmakers should adopt during the development of AI regulations, whether global, regional, or local. 

On October 21, 2023, during the third day of International Law Weekend, Professor Thomas Streinz moderated a panel titled “Global AI Regulation (Mis)Alignment Challenge.” The panelists, including Adele Barzelay, Nathalie Smuha, and Yirong Sun discussed the rapid development of AI technologies and the current state of AI regulations in various jurisdictions, including China, the European Union, and the US. Additionally, the panelists explored the alignment of AI regulations with the needs of both AI systems and humans.

Globally, AI technologies are advancing at an incredible pace. The progress in AI technologies, especially in generative AI (such as ChatGPT), has outpaced the development of legislation intended to regulate AI and mitigate AI-related risks. Since 2020, the EU, US, and China have been separately working to create a framework for AI regulations, and as of writing, only China has adopted specific legislation targeting AI technologies. The absence of relevant AI legislation in most jurisdictions poses numerous risks for governments, companies, and citizens worldwide. Risks associated with unregulated AI include data protection, copyright infringement, safety concerns, ethical policies, and misinformation prevention, among others. Furthermore, Professor Streinz reminded us that the risks posed by AI technologies are amplified by the fact that these technologies transcend borders. Anyone with internet access may be exposed.

Thomas Streinz, Adele Barzelay, Nathalie Smuha, and Yirong Sun (L-R) Global AI Regulation (Mis)Alignment Challenge panelists. International Law Weekend 2023, New York

As was noted by one of the panelists, Adele Barzelay, the world is progressing toward establishing global governance for AI, through the World Economic Forum’s AI Governance Alliance. AI governance may be implemented at two different levels. The first level of AI governance involves substantive governance, in which international organizations establish global norms, principles, recommendations, and sector-specific guidelines covering all risks related to AI usage. The second level of AI governance involves procedural governance; here, international organizations must engage multiple stakeholders and allow participation from different regions worldwide while developing global AI regulations. Nevertheless, before further developing AI-related regulations, international organizations and States should carefully analyze whether they can adapt the current legal framework to regulate AI or if entirely new regulations are necessary.

In April 2021, the EU Commission introduced a comprehensive regional regulatory framework, proposing harmonized rules regulating AI and amending several existing EU legislative acts. The primary purpose of this regulation is to protect human rights, ensure data privacy, and standardize AI regulations across EU member states. Nathalie Smuha explained that this regulation classifies AI systems based on the following risk levels: Unacceptable-Risk AI Systems, High-Risk AI Systems, and Low and Minimal Risk AI Systems. Unacceptable-Risk AI Systems are AI systems deemed to carry unacceptable risks and therefore will be prohibited for use within EU borders. Examples include AI systems capable of materially distorting a person’s behavior in ways that cause or are likely to cause physical or psychological harm. Additionally, the use of ‘real-time’ remote biometric identification systems in publicly accessible spaces for law enforcement purposes falls into this category. AI systems identified as High-Risk will be restricted to those that may significantly harm the health, safety, and fundamental rights of individuals in the EU. Such restrictions aim to minimize any potential impact on international trade. High-risk AI systems will be permitted in the EU market only if they comply with specific mandatory requirements. Finally,  the category of Low and Minimal Risk AI Systems encompasses AI systems with low and minimal risks, including chatbots. These systems are considered less impactful in terms of potential harm, thus are subject to less strict regulatory measures.

At present, the EU Commission has struggled with aligining the proposed draft regulation with the needs of different member states and the EU as a whole. Although the regulatory framework has not yet been officially adopted, the use of EU users’ data is already governed by the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Consequently, any utilization of personal data in AI processing falls under the scope of the GDPR, irrespective of the simplicity or complexity of the AI technology involved. Simultaneously, the Council of Europe is actively working on the AI Framework Convention, which aims to establish a European treaty on AI. The convention outlines broad principles which AI developers will have to adhere to. These principles include privacy, personal data protection, accountability, responsibility, transparency, oversight, safety, safe innovation, and non-discrimination. The Council of Europe aims to adopt the Convention by Spring 2024.

During the panel, Yirong Sun discussed China’s regulatory policies in the field of AI. According to China’s AI legislation, research entities involved in AI technology development in China are required to establish committees for disclosing specific research aspects. China has implemented specific regulations for generative AI technologies, such as DeepFake, by incorporating algorithm filing and security assessment procedures to evaluate the safety of AI technologies intended for public use. In the context of DeepFake technologies, providers bear significant obligations to justify the utilization of the technology and to identify the ultimate users of DeepFake products. These regulatory measures emphasize China’s commitment to fostering responsible and secure advancements in the rapidly evolving sphere of AI.

Overall, the uncontrolled usage of AI technologies poses numerous risks to users, governments, and society at large. However, when subjected to appropriate regulations, the use of AI may be beneficial. In today’s world, we can observe how AI technologies have already permeated various aspects of our lives, much like the invention of the internet reshaped the course of human progress decades ago. Therefore, to ensure the effective, and more importantly, safe utilization of AI technologies, international organizations and foreign nations should collaborate in the development of comprehensive AI regulations.

The post Global AI Regulation: The (Mis)Alignment Challenge – Reflections on an ILW 2023 Panel appeared first on ABILA.

The American Branch is pleased to recognize five new patrons who have pledged their support to the organization since the start of our Second Century Campaign. Patrons are life members of the Branch and do not pay annual dues. Patrons not only support the organization but are also actively involved in the organization’s activities.

Andrea K. Bjorklund is a member of the ABILA Board of Directors and a Full Professor and the L. Yves Fortier Chair in International Arbitration and International Commercial Law at McGill University Faculty of Law. She is widely published in investment law and dispute resolution and transnational contracts and is currently working on a new book with Stefan Kröll and Franco Ferrari: Cambridge Compendium of International Commercial and Investment Arbitration (Cambridge University Press).

Valerie Epps is a long-time member of ABILA and an Honorary Vice-President. She is a Research Professor of Law at Suffolk University Law School and was awarded the Catherine T. Judge Teaching and Service Award in November 2019. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the Boston Committee on Foreign Relations. She recently co-published International Law (Carolina Academic Press, 6th ed., 2019) with John Cerone and Brad R. Roth.

Charlotte Ku is a member of the ABILA Board of Directors and Professor of Law and Director, Global Programs at the Texas A&M University School of Law. Throughout her years of senior academic leadership positions, she has fostered the building of awareness of international law and institutions and has championed the interdisciplinary collaboration of international law and international relations scholars.

Michael Scharf is the ABILA President-Elect and Co-Dean, Joseph C. Hostetler – BakerHostetler Professor of Law, and Director of the Frederick K. Cox International Law Center at Case Western Reserve University School of Law. He also serves as Managing Director of the Public International Law and Policy Group. He is a prolific author, having published over 100 scholarly articles and 20 books, four of which have won national book-of-the-year honors.

Jennifer Trahan is the ABILA Co-Director of Studies, Co-Chair of ABILA’s International Criminal Court Committee, and a Clinical Professor at NYU’s Center for Global Affairs and Director of its Concentration in International Law and Human Rights. She was recently appointed Convener of The Global Institute for the Prevention of Aggression. She recently published Existing Legal Limits to Security Council Veto Power in the Face of Atrocity Crimes (Cambridge University Press, 2020), which won ABILA’s inaugural Book-of-the-Year Award.

If you are interested in becoming an ABILA Patron, please contact ABILA Membership Officer Madaline George (membership@ila-americanbranch.org).

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Who we are: The American Branch of the International Law Association is the largest Branch of the International Law Association. The International Law Association was established in 1873 and is composed of sixty-three national branches (including the Headquarters Branch). It is currently the preeminent international non-governmental organization involved in developing and restating international law. The American Branch is dedicated to the study, clarification, and development of International Law and the advancement of peace, equity, and justice worldwide.

Position Summary: The Media Officer will be responsible for developing and implementing the overall media strategy of the American Branch and managing its social media presence. Work includes soliciting, writing, and editing content for our website, blogging on current events and ABILA activities, managing social media posts, handling email communication, creating graphics and flyers, working with the Membership Officer on the biannual Newsletter, and assisting with ABILA events, particularly its centennial celebration, which occurs throughout 2022, and International Law Weekend (ILW), the biggest international law conference of the fall, which will take place in New York City on October 20-22, 2022.

The Media Officer will report directly to the ABILA President, President-Elect, Chair of the Board, and Membership Officer, and work closely with the ABILA Board of Directors and Committee Chairs.

This position is scheduled to begin work as early as February 1, 2022. This is a part-time position that is expected to take 5-10 hours/week, with more hours anticipated ahead of major events or as needed. This is a remote position, but the Media Officer should be able to attend ILW 2022 in person (expenses for attending ILW will be covered by ABILA).

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have a legal background (either a J.D. degree or working toward a J.D. or other law degree) with a strong interest in international law and practice. He or she must have a passion for, and strong understanding of, the mission of ABILA, excellent written and verbal communication skills, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, the ability to multi-task and strong time management skills, and an excellent knowledge of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and other social media best practices. Experience in graphic design and with WordPress is advantageous. He or she must also demonstrate a high level of professionalism and be able to work independently and follow through on projects.

ABILA will base compensation on the candidate’s experience. The American Branch of the International Law Association will consider proposals from applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

To Apply: Interested applicants should send their CV and cover letter (in PDF form) to Prof. Leila Nadya Sadat, President, American Branch, International Law Association (sadat@wustl.edu) with a copy to Ms. Madaline George, Membership Officer (membership@ila-americanbranch.org).

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A program with detailed information about this event is available here.

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Eligibility requirements: Recipients of this annual award need not be current members of the ABILA. The American Branch of the International Law Association’s Outstanding Achievement Award recognizes outstanding contributions in the field of international law.  Such contributions might include, but are not limited to, service to an international organization, a State, or an international court or tribunal; or to teaching, research, and scholarship in the field of international law.  While candidates are reviewed comprehensively, factors considered may include consideration of an individual’s specific extraordinary service initiatives and/or sustained superior contributions to the field of international law over a number of years, as well as visionary and innovative leadership.

Procedure for nomination: Nominations should be sent to the Chair of the Outstanding Achievement Award Nomination Committee by August 1, 2021.

Nominations must include: Full name, title, address, and e-mail of the nominee, and a 500-1000 word description of the nominee’s outstanding service to the field of international law that highlights any connection to the International Law Association or its activities.  The description should also include details about the individual’s specific extraordinary service initiatives and/or about their sustained superior contributions over a number of years as well as visionary and innovative leadership.  The CV of the nominee or comparable bibliographical information should be included.

Committee Composition: The Outstanding Achievement Award Committee shall be chaired by a member of the ABILA Board of Directors in good standing, selected by the ABILA President. The President will also appoint no fewer than two additional members to the Committee, who must also be ABILA members in good standing.

Send Nominations to Professor Jennifer Trahan, Chair: jt487@nyu.edu.

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Text:

Resolution Congratulating Judge Donoghue on her Election as President of the International Court of Justice

Whereas Her Excellency Judge Joan E. Donoghue has had a distinguished record of service and leadership at the International Court of Justice; and

Whereas the work of the Court is critically important to the maintenance of international peace and security; and

Whereas the American Branch of the International Law Association is dedicated to the study, clarification, and development of international law and the advancement of peace, equity, and justice worldwide; and

Whereas the Board applauds Judge Donoghue’s steadfast dedication to “strengthen and promote the various means for settling disputes peacefully” and commitment to “actively seek differing perspectives and promote open exchanges of ideas, especially with those whose views differ from our own;”

Now be it therefore resolved that the Board of Directors of the American Branch of the International Law Association congratulates Judge Joan E. Donoghue on her election as President of the International Court of Justice and wishes her the best in her new position.

Done this 22 day of April 2021

Leila Nadya Sadat, President, American Branch, ILA

David P. Stewart, Chair, Board of Directors, American Branch, ILA

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