Myres S. McDougal

Myres S. McDougal was a prominent legal scholar known for his work in international law and policy analysis. He emphasized understanding law as a tool for resolving international conflicts and promoting justice, focusing on how legal rules influence decision-making. McDougal believed that legal analysis should consider political, social, and ethical contexts to effectively guide conduct. His approach, called "law and policy," integrates law with broader societal values, helping policymakers balance legal principles with practical outcomes in international relations. His ideas remain influential in the study of how law shapes global diplomacy and cooperation.