The recent expansion of international economic activity is being met by an important set of challenges. These range from the volatility and fragility of global financial markets to the crisis of the Asian tigers to the protests and disorder that disrupted the 1999 meetings of the World Trade Organization. A wide-ranging debate about the appropriate norms, rules, laws and institutions required by the new era has broken out in think tanks, legislatures and academia. Issues under discussion include the structure of corporate governance, the impact of new capital markets, and the need to address concerns about human rights, labor standards and environmental protection. Lawyers can, and should, play an important role in this debate. In addition, the outcome of this debate and the possible establishment of a new institutional framework will shape the environment of business and economic activity for the next generation. This course will explore the major institutions that impact on this environment, including the WTO, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.  We look at cross border securities offerings as well as mergers and acquisitions.  Grades will be based largely on the final exam, which is three hours and open book. Students interested in the Spring seminar on Globalization and Rule of Law will find this course a very helpful introduction to the material issues. 
There are no pre-requisites for this course. Approved IP LL.M. course.