A leading scholar in international law, Kenneth Abbott’s teaching and research focus on the interdisciplinary study of international law and international relations, including public and private institutions, environmental issues, development policy, global health, and international trade and economic law. He also has a faculty appointment in the ASU School of Global Studies, where he co-directs the global environmental governance program.
Before joining the faculty in 2006, Professor Abbott taught for more than 25 years at Northwestern University School of Law, where he held the Elizabeth Froehling Horner Chair in Law and Commerce. He also served as director of the Northwestern University Center for International and Comparative Studies. Professor Abbott participates actively in conferences and research projects in both international law and international relations and has spoken and taught in many countries. He has served as Chair of the International Economic Law Interest Group of the American Society of International Law. Professor Abbott also practiced law at Harris Beach LLP in Rochester, N.Y., served in the VISTA Lawyer’s Program, and was a research fellow at Harvard Law School.
Professor Abbott is a member of the editorial boards of International Theory, the Journal of International Economic Law and the Journal of International Law and International Relations.