Dr. Christopher Penny

Biography

Professor Penny joined the faculty of the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs in 2004. Prior to joining the full-time faculty, he taught as a sessional lecturer at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law, where he coordinated the International Law program. His teaching and academic writing focus on the role of international legal principles, particularly those governing the use of force. He has published various journal articles and book chapters in this field. Additionally, he teaches a variety of graduate classes at NPSIA, including a mandatory introductory course and specialized legal seminars that address contemporary challenges in diplomacy and the regulation of military force. In addition to his academic work, Professor Penny has substantial practical experience in the development and application of international law regarding the use of force. He retired in 2022 after nineteen years of service as a legal officer (Army Lieutenant-Colonel) in the Canadian Armed Forces, where he supported the work of the Directorate of International Operational Law in the Office of the Judge Advocate General. In this capacity, he participated as a member of the Canadian government delegation in multilateral treaty negotiations, under the United Nations framework. He also served as an operational military legal advisor in Afghanistan and briefly in Libya, where he acted as a personal legal advisor to the NATO operational commander. In 2010, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division) by the Governor-General of Canada in recognition of his contributions to the negotiation of the Convention on Cluster Munitions.

Research Interests

Experience

Awards