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Join the West Michigan Law Professionals Network for an evening of connection, conversation, and learning with fellow legal professionals. Enjoy time to socialize and hear from Calvin’s Pre-Law Program Director, Dr. Joel Westra. 

Dr. Westra is the Department Chair of Politics and Economics and the Director of the Pre-law Program at Çàɬֱ²¥. The title of his lecture will be: Does Public International Law still matter? Or did it ever? Below is a synapsis. 

Does Public International Law still matter? Or did it ever?

The aftermath of World War II witnessed a concerted effort by states to codify the law of nations and to develop new rules of public international law governing humanitarian, environmental, economic, and security issues. Functional components of these emerging legal regimes have faced challenges and controversies, while many other components remained aspirational, at best. Recent instances of action and inaction by states force us to consider whether public international law still matters, or whether it ever mattered as much as we might have believed it did.

The event will be hosted on April 16th, 2026 from 5:00-6:30pm in the School of Business- room BU103. 

Snacks will be provided by the Calvin Alumni Association.