In this week’s episode, LUC Professor Paul Kapfer joins Lenny and Leanne as they dive into a discussion on the ongoing conflict surrounding the South China Sea. They discuss the basis for China’s claim to the region, the sea’s global significance, the U.S. response, and the international law covering maritime claims. For additional reading and background into this topic, Professor Kapfer recommends the 2007 Senate Report titled "Convention on the Law of the Sea" written by then Senator Joe Biden.

Paul Kapfer teaches International Humanitarian Law as an adjunct professor at Loyola University Chicago Law School. He has a BA in International Economics and French from Valparaiso University and a JD from the University of Iowa. After law school, Paul served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years as a Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG) officer.

On active duty, Paul’s most frequent role was in-house counsel, advising a 14-state Navy region commander on criminal prosecution and Army generals in Iraq on the law of armed conflict.