Mary Ellen O'Connell

Mary Ellen O'Connell is a leading scholar in international law and holds the Robert and Marion Short Professor of Law position at the University of Notre Dame Law School. She specializes in international legal regulation of the use of force, dispute resolution, and international legal theory. O'Connell's research and publications have focused extensively on armed conflict, military force, and peaceful settlement of disputes. Her work examining drone warfare, autonomous weapons, and cyber operations has been particularly influential in academic and policy circles. Some of her notable books include "The Power and Purpose of International Law" and "What is War? An Investigation in the Wake of 9/11." She has served as vice president of the American Society of International Law and chair of the International Law Association's Committee on the Use of Force. O'Connell regularly provides expert commentary on international law matters for major media outlets and has testified before Congress on issues related to military force and armed conflict. Her scholarship continues to shape discussions around the legal frameworks governing modern warfare and international dispute resolution.

Readers value O'Connell's clear explanations of complex international law concepts. Legal practitioners and academics cite her analysis of post-9/11 military actions and drone warfare policies. Reviews note her thorough research and constitutional law expertise. What readers liked: - Detailed examination of legal precedents - Clear breakdown of international law principles - Balanced analysis of controversial topics - Citations and documentation What readers disliked: - Academic writing style can be dense - Limited coverage of historical context - Some find her positions on drone warfare too restrictive Ratings across platforms: Google Scholar citations: 2,500+ for key works Amazon: "The Power and Purpose of International Law" - 4.1/5 (28 reviews) Academic journal reviews consistently rate her work as significant to international law scholarship, though some criticize her interpretations as too traditional regarding use of force doctrines. Note: Limited public reader reviews available as works are primarily academic texts used in law schools and policy research.

International Law and the Use of Force (2009) Analyzes the legal framework governing when states can use military force, including self-defense and UN Security Council authorization.

The Power and Purpose of International Law (2008) Examines the foundations of international law and its role in maintaining global order through case studies and historical analysis.

What Is War? An Investigation in the Wake of 9/11 (2012) Explores the legal definition of war and armed conflict in the context of modern security challenges and counterterrorism.

International Dispute Resolution: Cases and Materials (2006) A comprehensive collection of cases and materials covering various methods of resolving international disputes.

The Law of War: How History, Morality and Law Combine to Restrain Armed Force (2021) Investigates the historical development and current state of laws governing warfare and military conduct.

To Kill or Capture: The War on Terror and the Soul of the Obama Presidency (2016) Examines the Obama administration's legal policies regarding targeted killings and detention in counterterrorism operations.

Martha McPhee writes about families navigating complex relationships and ethical decisions in contemporary America. Her work explores themes of identity, class, and moral choices across generations.

Margaret Drabble creates detailed character studies within academic and intellectual settings. She focuses on women's experiences and social changes in British society through multiple decades.

Sue Miller examines marriage, parenthood, and domestic life with psychological depth. Her narratives unfold through multiple perspectives and timeframes while addressing faith and family obligations.

Nancy Thayer sets stories in New England coastal communities featuring multigenerational family dynamics. She incorporates themes of reinvention and second chances within established social circles.

Elizabeth Berg writes about ordinary people dealing with loss, change, and personal growth. Her characters navigate relationships and life transitions while wrestling with questions of purpose and belonging.