LAW 523 - The Law of Economics Warfare Sem

Much of modern geopolitical conflict occurs in the economic domain. The United States wields its financial power to combat global threats and denies access to its financial system, markets, and technologies for national security reasons. This seminar will explore the historical, theoretical, and strategic considerations that shape the use of economic and commercial power in modern statecraft, and it will examine the complex legal regimes that govern the tools of economic warfare and defense today. Particular areas of focus will include coercive and offensive measures such as economic sanctions and trade remedies; the post-9/11 U.S. regulatory regime designed to combat financing of terrorism and similar global threats; review of foreign investment by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States; protection of sensitive technologies through export control laws; and efforts to safeguard critical supply chains. The seminar will pay particular attention to emerging challenges to these regulatory regimes presented by recent developments including digital asset innovation and efforts to challenge the primacy of the U.S. dollar.