How International Law Shapes Wars, Treaties and State Power - David Stute & Cassian Peña

What happens when a dispute involves $15 billion, international treaties, and the interests of the United States? David J. Stute, Special Counsel, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, former Attorney-Adviser in the U.S. State Department Office of the Legal Adviser, joins Cassian Peña, Head of Development at The IN Network: The National Security Academy, for a conversation on the intersection of international law, diplomacy, and national security. From 2021 to 2026, David served as an Attorney-Adviser in the U.S. Department of State’s Office of the Legal Adviser. During that time, he was part of the core team that defeated a $15 billion NAFTA legacy claim against the United States tied to the Keystone XL pipeline. He also worked with the National Security Council, Department of Justice, and other federal agencies on international litigation, treaty negotiations, nuclear liability, and complex geopolitical matters. As lead attorney advising on certain United Nations affairs, his work touched issues involving the International Court of Justice, Ukraine, Gaza, and major multilateral institutions. So what actually happens when countries end up in legal conflict? Who interprets the treaties? How much influence do international courts really have? And can international law meaningfully constrain states when national interests are at stake? In this conversation, David explains how international disputes are handled in practice, what happens when law and national interests collide, and how governments use treaties, courts, and diplomacy to defend their interests on the global stage. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this interview are solely those of the speaker in his personal capacity. They do not reflect the official policy, position, or endorsement of any government agency, department, or former or current employer. This interview is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as official guidance or legal advice.