On 10 May 2018, Fudan Law School welcomed Karen Alter, Professor of Political Science and Law from Northwestern University to give a lecture on her award-winning book, "The New Terrain of International Law: Courts, Politics, Rights".

Professor Alter was warmly received by Vice Dean Chen Li, who introduced Fudan Law School's numerous new internationalization initiatives and her increasing collaboration with Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law.

In this talk, Professor Alter outlined the developments and trends in the establishment of the two dozen international courts and tribunals and their role in influencing domestic and international politics. Professor Alter’s talk focused on some aspects of dispute resolution, enforcement, administrate review, and constitutional review, explaining how international judges' limited power to pronounce on the law translates into political influence. She highlighted the "new-style" features associated with these courts, namely, compulsory jurisdiction and access for non-state actors to initiate litigation. She also elucidated what relevant factors are prone to intervene to constrain whether international courts are invoked and whether international judges would have the audacity to demand significant changes in state practices. Finally, Professor Alter showcased how and when delegating authority to international courts and tribunals transformed domestic politics and international relations.

After the talk, Professor Alter sat down with Dean Wang Zhiqiang, Dr Tu Yunxin, Dr Zhu Dan and Dr Chen Li for nearly three hours to exchange views on wide-ranging topics including international criminal law, world trade law, global administrative law, constitutional law, China's attitudes toward international law and China's new role in the development of international law.

On 18 May 2018, Fudan Law School welcomed Bruce A. Markell, Professor of Bankruptcy Law and Practice from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law. Professor Markell was warmly received by Vice Dean Chen Li, Professor Wang Wei, Director of International Affairs Committee, and Dr Chen Li. 

Professor Markell shared with Fudan colleagues about his exciting new research on a fundamental question of cross-border insolvency – "Territorialism’s Pull in a Universalist World". In the long discussion, he analyzed flagrant flaws in the pure universalist model and argued that territorialism would remain highly relevant in tackling cross-border insolvency cases even against the backdrop of attempts by international organizations to harmonize laws in this area, for example through UNCITRAL Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency. In addition to his research endeavors, Professor Markell also threw light on his life on the bench as a United States Bankruptcy Judge for the District of Nevada and dissected several cases he handled while he was in that position.

Fudan Law School is very delighted to have had these two distinguished professors grace our picturesque campus in Jiangwan and to share with our faculty and students on their cutting-edge research in their respective fields.