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Photograph of Shawn Bates

Shawn Bates Assistant Professor Peace, Human Rights & Cultural Relations

Degrees
J.D., Georgetown University Law Center, M.A. International Communication, American University

Favorite Spot on Campus
Kay Labyrinth
Book Currently Reading
So You Want to Talk About Race; Bitter Chocolate; Democracy in America
Bio
Mr. Bates is an international lawyer, mediator, educator, intercultural communication consultant and trainer with over 20 years of experience in the international arena. He is currently Assistant Professor in the School of International Service, and a former Director of the Chile/Argentina Summer Law Program for the Washington College of Law. Prof. Bates was the founder and Academic Director for American University’s Washington Semester Program in International Law and Organizations. With the assistance of the Washington Semester Program staff, Mr. Bates developed the International Law and Organizations Program into one of the most successful visiting academic programs at American University. He designed and led a study tour of Western Europe and international legal institutions, as well as directed the academic development of the students in Unit I of the program.

In addition to teaching, Prof. Bates is actively involved with the American Bar Association and the American Society for International Law (ASIL). He is a frequent lecturer on cross-cultural conflict and mediation, as well as an advisor to various multilateral institutions.

His primary research interests are in Anti-Corruption, Alternative Dispute Resolution, International Arbitration, Green Infrastructure Development and intercultural communication. He is also deeply interested in the intersection of culture and law, as well as the interdisciplinary study of governance through commodities such as coffee and chocolate. (Though really, who isn't?)
For the Media
To request an interview for a news story, call AU Communications at 202-885-5950 or submit a request.

Teaching

Fall 2024

  • CORE-107 Complex Problems Seminar: Cultures of Corruption

  • SISU-370 Topics Just/Ethics/Human Rgts: Int'l Justice & Accountability

Spring 2025

  • HNRS-151 AU Honors Research Experience: Civil Rights/Human Rights/DC

  • SISU-106 First Year Seminar: From Bean to Brew

  • SISU-205 Intercultural Communication