Minnesota Journal of International Law

The Minnesota Journal of International Law is a student-led publication at the University of Minnesota Law School. We aspire to be a leader in the multidisciplinary study of international and comparative law. The Journal annually publishes two print volumes and one online edition.

Current Issue

MJIL Blog

Trial of Former Child Soldier Begins at the ICC

February 24, 2017

By Alfredo Hwang, MJIL Staff Member On December 6, 2016, the prosecution of Dominic Ongwen, a former child soldier abducted by the Ugandan rebel group Lord’s Resistance Army (“LRA”) who eventually became the commander of the LRA’s Sinia Brigade, began at the International Criminal Court (“ICC”).[1] What are the Charges Against Dominic Ongwen: A warrant […]

“It’s a Small World After All”

February 17, 2017

By Kathryn Burkart, MJIL Staff Member As a child, and admittedly young adult, I have loved the ride “It’s a Small World” at Disneyworld. While on the ride you sit in a boat that takes you into various rooms that represent different regions of the world where animatronic dolls all sing along to the lyrics […]

North Korea’s Human Rights Obligations: North Korea Sends Report to the CEDAW Committee

February 16, 2017

By Eric Ryu, MJIL Staff Member Even though the documented human rights abuses in North Korea is extensive, they are a party to four major international human rights treaties: International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)[1], International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights[2], Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)[3], and Convention […]

Insolvency Law and Foreign Direct Investment

February 16, 2017

By Jason Jack, MJIL Staff Member Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) generally refers to the activities of corporations investing in projects outside of their own country’s borders. Factors commonly understood to influence FDI include economic conditions, diplomatic connections, and simple supply and demand. An additional factor that has often been overlooked is a country’s particular system […]

Changing Tides in the Global Landscape of Mergers and Acquisitions

February 16, 2017

By Braxton Roam, MJIL Staff Member The global mergers and acquisitions landscape has drastically transformed over the past half-century.[1] Hostile takeovers peaked at 40% of the total M&A market in 1967, but has dropped to just 8.6% by 2014.[2] To that end, investment banks have found other methods to create revenue, including advisement and financing […]

Tempers and Temperatures Rising: Proposed EU Tax on U.S. Products

February 16, 2017

By Kevin Kitchen, Managing Editor After an unexpected election, environmentalists are concerned. The European Union, specifically France, has raised specific concerns as President-elect Trump campaigned on the idea of abandoning the Paris Agreement. Early November, Former French President, Nicolas Sarkozy, proposed a EU-wide tax on all U.S. imports if President-elect Trump pulls the country out […]

Can President-elect Trump Unilaterally Stop NAFTA?

November 16, 2016

By Cayla Ebert, MJIL Staff Member In President-elect Trump’s recently-released First 100 Days Plan, Trump promises to withdraw the United States from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) if the three members cannot renegotiate more favorable terms.[1] As for many campaign promises made this past election season, people are asking: “Can he really do […]

Al-Madhi Enters ICC’s First Guilty Plea, Adverse Consequences For ICC Could Follow

November 8, 2016

By Andy Miles, MJIL Staff Member On August 22, 2016, Ahmad Al-Faqi Al Madhi admitted guilt at the start of his trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC). Al Madhi was accused of the war crime of intentionally directing attacks against historical monuments and buildings dedicated to religion. Al Madhi is a member of Ansar […]

Brexit Hits Snag with British High Court

November 8, 2016

By Russell Payne, MJIL Staff Member On November 3rd, a panel of judges from the Queen Bench Division of the High Court of Justice handed down a ruling that the Crown (and its representative ministers) is not entitled to trigger the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union.[1] The principal question addressed was whether the […]

U.S. and EU Negotiators Shift Priority for T-TIP Passage in 2016, but Remain Optimistic

October 17, 2016

Nikesh Patel, Executive Editor The 15th round of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP) concluded recently in New York City on October 7, 2016.[1] The Partnership is a proposed bilateral trade agreement between the United States and European Union. Although public scrutiny in the U.S. has further increased on the recent Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement […]