Christopher A. Whytock

Christopher A. Whytock is Professor of Law and Political Science at the University of California, Irvine, with a joint appointment in both disciplines. He serves as Co-Director of the university's Center in Law, Society and Culture. Previously, he held positions as Vice Dean of UC Irvine School of Law, Visiting Professor at NYU School of Law and University of Zurich, and Director of Studies at The Hague Academy of International Law.

Education includes: Ph.D. and M.A. in Political Science from Duke University; J.D. and M.S. in Foreign Service from Georgetown University (Ford Foundation Fellow in Public International Law); B.A. in Political Science from UCLA (Phi Beta Kappa); with additional studies at Institut d'Études Politiques, Université de Grenoble.

His research focuses on conflict of laws, transnational litigation, and international law, examining how legal systems interact across borders. Recent work explores doctrinal evolution in choice-of-law principles, enforcement mechanisms for foreign judgments, and the political dimensions of international legal frameworks. His scholarship employs both theoretical analysis and empirical methods to address complex questions of global governance.

Publication trends reveal a sustained focus on refining conflict of laws doctrines through comparative analysis, particularly between US and European approaches. His recent articles demonstrate increasing attention to empirical assessment of litigation patterns and the practical implementation of legal principles in transnational disputes. The work consistently bridges theoretical jurisprudence with real-world adjudication challenges.

Scientific Awards and Honors:

• Best Civil Justice Article Prize, UC Berkeley (2023)
• Director of Studies appointment, Hague Academy of International Law (2020)
• Ford Foundation Fellowship in Public International Law

Professional engagements include:

• Associate Reporter, ALI Restatement (Third) of Conflict of Laws
• Adviser, ALI Restatement (Fourth) of Foreign Relations Law
• Member, U.S. State Department Advisory Committee on Private International Law
• U.S. Delegate to Hague Conference Working Groups

At UC Irvine, he co-directs the Center in Law, Society and Culture, fostering interdisciplinary research on legal institutions and social transformation. The center brings together scholars from law, social sciences, and humanities to examine law's role in contemporary global challenges.