Dr. David Kennedy is a distinguished legal scholar, educator, and global thought leader. As the Manley O. Hudson Professor of Law at Harvard Law School and the Faculty Director of the Institute for Global Law and Policy, he has shaped the study and practice of international law, global governance, and development policy.

Academic Background

Dr. Kennedy holds a Ph.D. from the Fletcher School at Tufts University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School, where he graduated magna cum laude. He also earned his Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy (M.A.L.D.) from Fletcher and an A.B. from Brown University.

Teaching and Research

Since joining the Harvard Law faculty in 1981, Dr. Kennedy has taught courses in international law, international economic policy, legal theory, law and development, and European law. His research draws on interdisciplinary materials from sociology, social theory, economics, and history to examine pressing global issues, including governance, development policy, and professional expertise.

Dr. Kennedy is particularly committed to amplifying new voices in international affairs, including those from the Global South and women leaders. He is the author of numerous influential articles and books, such as "A World of Struggle: How Power, Law, and Expertise Shape Global Political Economy" and "The Dark Sides of Virtue: Reassessing International Humanitarianism."

Professional Experience

In addition to his academic roles, Dr. Kennedy has extensive experience as a practicing lawyer, working on international projects in both the public and private sectors. His notable roles include:

• Legal practice at Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton in Brussels, where he specialized in European antitrust litigation, government relations, and corporate law.
• Advisory roles with organizations such as the United Nations, the Commission of the European Union, and PricewaterhouseCoopers.  
• At Harvard, Dr. Kennedy has served as Chair of the Graduate Committee, Faculty Director of International Legal Studies, and Founder and Faculty Director of the European Law Research Center.

In 2008-2009, he served as Vice President for International Affairs and University Professor of Law at Brown University, where he also held the title of David and Marianna Fisher University Professor of International Relations.

Leadership and Global Engagement

Dr. Kennedy is a member of the U.S. Council on Foreign Relations and served as past chair of the World Economic Forum’s Global Advisory Council on Global Governance. He has advised numerous educational institutions on academic programming and has lectured as a Visiting Professor at leading universities worldwide, including in Germany, France, and Australia.