Topic 1

Introduction

The normative and policy-setting functions of the World Health Organization (“WHO”) have been substantially influenced by the differences of opinion within WHO’s membership about the impact of trade and intellectual property (“IP”) rules on public health. In particular, WHO members differ as to the organization’s role in addressing the perceived failure of the pharmaceutical market to generate safe and affordable medicines for diseases predominantly affecting developing countries.

Introduction

Introduction

The increasing conviction that the government of Bashar al-Assad in Syria has used chemical weapons in an attack with many civilian casualties raises the question: what military response may the outside world legally take without the authority of the UN Security Council?

Introduction

Introduction

Introduction

Tunisians captivated the world's attention in January 2011 when they flooded the streets to protest unemployment, corruption, and the lack of basic freedoms.  They ousted the autocratic President Zine Abidine Ben Ali in short order and inspired the "Arab Awakening."  Tunisia claimed a major success in October 2011, when the country held elections to choose representatives for a National Constituent Assembly (NCA).  The NCA is tasked with writing a constitution and governing Tunisia until the new constitution and permanent government are in place.

Introduction