Keynote Address Theorizing the Diffusion of Law: Conceptual Difficulties, Unstable Imaginations, and the Effort To Think Gracefully Nonetheless

摘要

Good morning. I am, on the whole, delighted to be here, and I thank the Harvard International Law Journal for inviting me. From their invitation, the editors want a quick overview of the way law changes in world history, incorporating the reams of scholarship produced by the host of legal notables here assembled. I am happy to oblige, although I must say that the task is a bit daunting. The certainty of my failure, however, is not the only reason my delight in this invitation is not completely unalloyed. After all, I am used to my reach exceeding my grasp, frustrated ambitions, and the like, although I usually try to keep that familiar sinking feeling to myself. My problem is that giving the opening remarks to a symposium like this one forces me to admit publicly that I am-"mature" would be euphemistic, there's no getting around it-downright middle-aged. A responsible member of the established order, rather than the fine young barbarian I still fancy myself. Frankly, it's depressing. Seriously, I am delighted to be here. Thank you.