Teaching International Law: The Added Value of Working as a Diplomat-Jurist

This paper provides personal insights into a career characterized by experiences as a researcher, a legal advisor and a teacher. It evidences how while these different functions can enter into conflict with each other, most often synergies prevail. This autobiographical report can be interpreted as an encouragement to teachers to gather practical experience beyond the “ivory tower”. The experience of working as a legal advisor is presented as a conduit to overcome cynicism, acquire greater credibility and better convey enthusiasm for international law to students. At the same time, practice can profit from academic experience by providing a greater depth of knowledge as well as all the structural thinking this activity demands.