In what now seems like a different world, Thomas Franck published an article in the American Journal of International Law defending an “emerging right to democratic governance.”1 The year was 1992. The post-Soviet revolutions had startled the world, following equally stunning democratization drives in Latin America and Southern Europe. Democracy seemed the inevitable endpoint of human civilization, the “end of history”2 as it was called then. If all newly freed peoples demanded democracy as soon as they had a chance to choose their form of government, an emerging right to democratic governance could both reinforce their choices and pull along the laggards with the moral force of international law.3

Welcome, everyone. I am Greg Shaffer, president of the Society, and it is my huge pleasure to introduce the Brower Lecture. Of course, this is thanks to our good friend, Judge Charles Brower and I am thrilled that we are able to offer the offer this opportunity every year to have such great lectures.

I just want to congratulate Tony Anghie for winning the Society's highest award. And I cannot think of a better person to engage in a conversation with Tony than Tendayi Achiume. Thank you so much for agreeing to do this.