Patrick J Keenan

Patrick J Keenan is a Professor at the University of Illinois' College of Law and holds additional professorships at the Center for the Study of Global Gender Equity, Lemann Center for Brazilian Studies, Center for African Studies, and Center for Global Studies. He earned a J.D. from Yale University and a B.A. from Tufts University. His research focuses on Human Rights, International Criminal Law, and Professional Ethics, with a particular emphasis on doctrinal innovation, conflict minerals, and the impact of U.S. drone programs.

Keenan’s work explores intersections between international law and real-world applications, such as the legal frameworks governing warfare, corporate accountability in resource extraction, and the evolution of international criminal justice. His recent publications analyze the International Criminal Court’s role, the ethical dimensions of drone warfare, and the legal challenges posed by climate change.

His scholarly contributions include over 25 peer-reviewed articles and a seminal book on the International Criminal Court. Keenan has participated in high-profile academic conferences and media engagements, addressing topics like accountability for war crimes in Ukraine and U.S. national security policy shifts under the Biden administration.

Keenan’s interdisciplinary approach bridges legal theory with practical policy, emphasizing how international law can address contemporary global challenges such as human rights violations, environmental degradation, and corporate responsibility.