Professor Padideh Ala'i delivered a series of lectures as part of the 2024 Seoul Academy of International Law (SAIL) focusing on WTO and U.S. Trade Policy and the future of international economic law. Hosted annually by the Korea National Diplomatic Academy's Center for International Law, under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Republic of Korea, SAIL gathers participants worldwide to deepen their understanding of international law.

Ala'I emphasized the importance of such events in today's global context. "At a time when international law and multilateral institutions are under assault, it is important to be part of a distinguished institution that is committed to educating government officials on international law," she said. "South Korea is an important player in the area of international economic law and SAIL attracts government officials from the Asian and Pacific region, an area that is very much affected by the U.S.-China trade tensions."

From July 8-10, Professor Ala'i delivered three lectures covering the history of U.S. trade policy, U.S. and WTO trade law. This year's SAIL participants came from 24 countries in the Asia-Pacific region to learn from prominent international law scholars and practitioners. 

"SAIL helps strengthen and promote and disseminate international law," said Ala'i. "I am deep believer that when you gather a distinguished group of lecturers and participants together from different countries to discuss international law it results in deepening and strengthening of international law."

While Professor Ala'I was there to instruct others in international law, it was also a learning opportunity.

"This opportunity enriches my understanding of what is happening in other parts of the world and therefore allows me to become a better teacher and scholar. I bring into the classroom at AUWCL all those experiences, conversations, and viewpoints that in turn, I hope, enrich my future class discussions as well as scholarship."