Michael R. Fowler

Michael R. Fowler is a Professor of Political Science at the University of Louisville. He has served as a visiting professor for Semester at Sea and held two Fulbright Scholarships in Japan. His roles include former founding director of the University of Louisville’s Muhammad Ali Institute for Peacemaking and Conflict Resolution, where his leadership secured a FIPSE grant and established the North American Peace Ambassadors program. He has taught negotiation strategies and legal studies, with notable achievements in mentoring law student teams that won five American Bar Association Midwestern Regional Negotiation Championships.

Education:

• JD, Harvard Law School (1986)
• MA, University of Virginia, Foreign Affairs (1985)
• BA, Dartmouth College (1982)

Research Interests: Professor Fowler focuses on Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, Drug Trafficking dynamics in Central America, International Law and Organization frameworks, U.S. Foreign Policy strategies, and American Legal Systems. His work bridges theoretical analysis with practical applications, such as cross-cultural negotiation pedagogy and UN accountability reforms.

Publications Trends: His recent scholarly work includes a reappraisal of the Kellogg-Briand Pact, exploring historical legal treaties and their modern relevance. He has authored influential textbooks like Mastering Negotiation (2017) and co-authored studies on drug trafficking in Central America (2012) and UN reforms (2009). His research often integrates global perspectives, with contributions to international journals on dispute resolution and law.

Awards:

• Twice a Fulbright Scholar to Japan
• University of Louisville’s Exemplary Multicultural Teaching Award
• University of Louisville’s Distinguished International Service Award

Advising & Grants: Advised law students in competitive negotiation championships, leading teams to top ten placements nationally. Directed the Ali Institute, securing a prestigious FIPSE grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Conducted negotiation training for diverse groups, including diplomats, military officers, and human resources professionals. Collaborated with ministries of foreign affairs in Laos and Vietnam, and institutions like the Guatemalan Electoral Office and Brandeis School of Law.

Labs/Teams: Co-founded and led the Muhammad Ali Institute for Peacemaking and Conflict Resolution, fostering transnational student exchanges. Collaborated with global networks, including Chinese universities and the National Forum for Black Public Administrators, to advance negotiation pedagogy and conflict resolution practices.