Research Overview

Much of my current research focuses on what is ordinarily called the philosophy of international law, which I think of as the intersection between political philosophy, normative economics, and the philosophy of law. I am currently working on a book-length project, partly supported by the Social Science & Humanities Research Council of Canada, that explores what normatively grounds the authority of international law. I think we can find much clarity if we look at how the global market undermines state sovereignty. I argue authority of international law is thus grounded in the normative demand to protect sovereignty. I try to mobilize these conclusions to defend various legal mechanisms which often promote fairness and equity (e.g., compulsory licensing mechanisms for medications), hoping to show that justice and sovereignty are not necessarily in tension but often complementary. Most of my work falls in the tradition of liberalism. 

I also have some interest in the history of political philosophy, and am particularly interested in insights from the Dutch philosopher Grotius (1583-1645) and the German philosopher Kant (1724-1804). I remain convinced that the best answers to new questions are often old ones. 

Articles

"The Deportation of Undocumented Patients Under International Law."
Harvard International Law Journal (forthcoming) [Online]. 

"Healthcare Justice: Protecting Self-Respect, Not Opportunity."
Journal of Bioethical Inquiry 22, no. 4 (2025): 837-849. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11673-025-10432-9.

Policy Essays

"Budget Cuts to Narcan Programs Dangerously Misunderstand Public Health Aims."
Health Affairs Forefront (2025): online print. https://doi.org/10.1377/forefront.20250709.312782.

Papers in Progress

A paper on non-domination in international relations (under review).
A paper on compliance incompatibilities in international law (under review).
A paper defending compulsory licensing (draft complete).
A paper on sovereignty (in progress).
A paper on the authority of international law (in progress).
A paper on Grotius' Mare Liberum (in progress).