Pruis Rule of Law Lecture: Are International Institutions Dispensable?

Christians have a unique perspective and thus a needed voice in the debate surrounding current political turmoil and reassessment of international institutions.

On Thursday, November 2, 2017, Rod Ludema will present Are International Institutions Dispensable? The economic dislocations of recent decades have given rise to political turmoil and a reassessment of international institutions. Should we continue to honor our international commitments in the face of changing circumstances? What is the value of international commitment? What circumstances warrant deviation? Dr. Ludema will address these questions as a way to make sense of the dramatic reversals underway in national approaches to cooperation on international trade, migration and environmental policy. Biblical principles of stewardship and justice give Christians a unique perspective and thus a needed voice in this debate. 

Ludema teaches Economics at Georgetown University, in the School of Foreign Service and Department of Economics. He formerly served as Chief Economist of the U.S. Department of State and as Senior International Economist in the White House Council of Economic Advisors. Ludema received his B.A. from Calvin College and attended Columbia University for his M.A., M.Phil, and Ph.D. degrees in economics. He specializes in international trade, with research interests including the political economy of trade policy, international trade bargaining, preferential trade agreements, trade and the environment, WTO rules and dispute settlement, and economic sanctions.

Watch the lecture.

Watch an interview with Rod Ludema and Henry Institute Director Kevin R. den Dulk, discussin international trade agreements and global economies.

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