Sept. 6, 2002
Briefs
GW and National University
of Singapore Establish First Summer International Trade Law Academy
The George Washington University Law School and The National University
of Singapore Faculty of Law (NUS) established the world’s first
summer study program dedicated to international trade law. The program,
to be run jointly by GW and NUS and based in Singapore at NUS, is called
the “International Trade Law Academy.”
The academy will sponsor a four-week, English-language training program
for law students and practicing attorneys from around the world. Applications
will be available from GW and NUS, and posted on their Web sites. Individuals
who have completed one year of study at an accredited law school will
be eligible to apply.
The Academy will offer challenging courses on both fundamental and cutting-edge
trade topics. Examples include GATT-WTO law, trade remedies, regional
trade agreements, trade and development, trade and national security,
trade and intellectual property protection, trade and investment, trade
and competition policy, trade and the environment, trade and labor standards,
and trade and human rights. Courses will be taught by the world’s
leading experts. A certificate will be awarded upon completion.
“Could we imagine a better time and place at which to establish
the world’s first International Trade Law Academy, or better universities
to establish it? Singapore is an extremely important partner of
the United States on economic, political, and strategic issues,”
says Michael K. Young, dean of the GW Law School. “This academy
joins the top two law schools on trade in their respective regions —
NUS in Asia with GW in North America. Thus, I am delighted that,
through the academy, GW and NUS will train the leading trade law and
policy officials of the future, and be the premier forum for creative
thinking about trade issues.”
The academy is expected to commence operation in June 2003. Professors
Raj Bhala of GW and Michael Ewing-Chow of NUS will serve as co-directors. Both
professors note the exciting context of the new venture — the highly
visible role of their respective countries in the WTO, the negotiations
between their countries on a free trade agreement, the launching of
the Doha Development Agenda, the accession of China to the WTO, and
the upsurge in interest in trade among law students and practitioners.
GW Offers Web Advice for 2002 Elections
The Institute for Politics, Democracy and the Internet (IPDI) has released
“Online Campaigning 2002,” its primer for political candidates. The
report advises candidates on how to use the Internet to communicate
effectively with voters.
The primer also outlines a series of best practices that candidates
should incorporate into their campaign Web sites. Among its recommendations
are that candidates:
• Document their positions;
• Develop a clear privacy policy;
• Provide interactive opportunities; and,
• Make their Web sites accessible to everyone, including individuals
with disabilities.
“Our best practices are aimed at finding the intersection of smart
politics and civic responsibility,” says Carol C. Darr, director
of IPDI. “For example, designing a Web site that is accessible
to people with disabilities also makes it easier and faster to download
for the 80 percent of Americans without a high-speed Internet connection.
We’re trying to show candidates how to do good and do well at the
same time.”
The primer, based on up-to-date research as well as lessons learned
from the 2000 election, also offers candidates tips on sending unsolicited
E-mail, the pros and cons of participating in chat rooms, and designing
clear privacy policies.
“Online Campaigning 2002” is published by the IPDI, a newly-chartered
institute of The George Washington University Graduate School of Political
Management that is funded by a grant from The Pew Charitable Trusts.
The institute documents and analyzes the evolving use of the Internet
in politics; develops and advocates best practices in online political
conduct; identifies and promotes awareness of critical public policy
choices regarding the Internet, politics and democracy; and serves as
an informational resource for candidates, officeholders, political professionals
and activists, journalists, scholars, and citizens.
To see a copy of the “Online Campaigning 2002” primer, visit
www.ipdi.org/primer2002.html.
Send feedback to: bygeorge@gwu.edu
