Celina El Ghossaini Meets Lebanese Prime Minister for Eckley Research Breakthrough Insights

Celina’s Journey: Meeting Global Leaders as a Catalyst for Change in International Law

In an era when undergraduate students rarely get the chance to interact one-on-one with high-ranking international figures, Celina El Ghossaini ’26 represents a refreshing deviation from the norm. Her summer research, under the prestigious Eckley Summer Scholar program, afforded her the unique opportunity to spend 30 minutes in conversation with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. This meeting was not just a casual chat, but a well-planned discussion that underpins important debates on international law and the challenges of expanding civilian protections on a global scale.

During her interaction with Prime Minister Salam, Celina offered a unique perspective on the tricky parts of balancing state sovereignty with individual rights—a topic that, until recently, was largely confined to academic debates. Her project titled “The Need for International Civil Remedies: A Costly Gap in International Law” delved into military necessity, noncombatant immunity, and the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) jurisdiction over transboundary harm. The journey she embarked upon was both intimidating and eye opening, reshaping her view of international civil law and paving the way for her future in international law.

Research Initiatives and Global Dialogues: A Closer Look at International Civil Remedies

Celina’s work is full of problems that both highlight and question existing remedies in international law. By taking the opportunity to get into a conversation with a sitting Lebanese Prime Minister, she was able to explore the subtle details of cases from the ICJ—years of history and legal practice distilled into lessons that hold the potential to steer the international community towards expanded civilian rights.

International legal frameworks are often laden with issues that make it challenging to find fair resolutions in situations where state sovereignty clashes with individual rights. Celina’s research takes a closer look at these tricky bits, emphasizing that while the system has evolved significantly, there is still a noticeable gap in internationally available civil remedies. These challenges are not just theoretical; they bear concrete implications for human rights and the overall fairness of international legal systems.

Understanding the Gap in International Civil Remedies

Celina’s investigation into military necessity and noncombatant immunity sheds light on these tangled issues by considering how the ICJ traditionally structures its jurisdiction. Her research draws on the fine points from the works of internationally renowned scholars like Larry May, Michael Walzer, and Alice Ollino. With a focus on cases from the past decades, her work illustrates how international law has tried, and at times struggled, to address the complications arising from military conflicts and transboundary harm.

One of the key takeaways from Celina’s project is the realization that the system’s existing remedies are both limited and, in many cases, off-putting to those who need protection. Her one-on-one conversation with Prime Minister Salam opened up new ways of thinking about how civilian rights can be better defended, even when traditional legal systems tend to prioritize state interests.

Dialogues with Decision-Makers: The Value of Global Perspective

Celina’s experience underscores how valuable direct exchanges with experienced figures can be in shaping a young scholar’s perspective. By sending a meticulous cover letter and proposal, she successfully secured an appointment with a high-ranking official whose insights were both refreshing and pragmatic. During their discussion, Prime Minister Salam shared select cases from his tenure at the ICJ, offering Celina a peek into the hidden complexities of international legal proceedings.

This conversation was not just an academic exercise. It opened up a space for understanding the intricate interplay between state-level decisions and individual rights, providing Celina with clear examples of how legal frameworks and political forces interact on the world stage. As a result, she now sees the international legal system as a dynamic arena full of twists and turns—where the need for appropriate civil remedies is more pressing than ever.

The Mentorship Impact: Faculty Guidance and the Student Research Experience

The significance of faculty guidance cannot be overstated when it comes to innovative research projects. Celina’s work was enriched by the continuous support provided by mentors such as Sally A. Firestone, a Professor in Peace and Social Justice, and Jim Simeone, a respected Professor of Political Science. This mentoring relationship helped her to wrestle with the small distinctions in international law and fine shades of interpretation that can otherwise remain hidden in less detailed studies.

Working closely with experienced professors allowed Celina to address not only the tricky bits in her argument but also to identify gaps in her logic that may have otherwise undermined her research. Their feedback helped her collect a range of perspectives—transforming her study from a tentative exploration into a robust, well-considered academic piece.

Faculty Mentorship: The Essential Pillar of Academic Growth

Mentorship in academic research is critical. Faculty members can steer students through the nerve-racking process of research, ensuring that even the most complicated pieces of work are structured effectively. In Celina’s case, both Professor Firestone and Professor Simeone played a key role in helping her find her way through the labyrinth of legal research by providing constructive criticism and practical suggestions.

This process also highlights the importance of learning through conversation and iterative development. Mentors not only provide expertise but also cultivate an environment where students are encouraged to pose difficult questions, face the intimidating parts of their research, and gradually build confidence. For many undergraduates, this kind of guidance transforms academic projects into transformative experiences that shape their careers.

Practical Insights Gained Through Mentorship

Here are some key benefits of mentorship illustrated by Celina’s experience:

Refining Research Focus: Mentors helped narrow down the wide spectrum of international legal issues into a focused project that addressed a significant gap.
Enhancing Critical Thinking: Feedback clarified the small distinctions in international law, ensuring that her findings were both well-grounded and engagingly presented.
Real-World Connections: Faculty connections often open pathways to direct engagements with influential figures, providing insights that are impossible to acquire from textbooks alone.
Building Confidence: Having expert advisors by one’s side turns a daunting research process into an enlightening journey of academic discovery.

Reimagining International Law: Challenges and Opportunities for Civil Remedies

At its core, Celina’s research offers a critical commentary on the current state of international law, particularly in the realms of military strategy and civilian protection. The discussion with Prime Minister Salam illuminated several confusing bits and subtle parts of law, revealing that while progress has been made, the international legal system is still in need of reform when it comes to protecting individuals.

For instance, traditional legal frameworks tend to be more focused on preserving state interests and the arbitrary use of military necessity. However, this frequently comes at a cost—a cost that is most acutely borne by those who are not combatants but innocent bystanders of conflict. Celina’s investigation invites us to consider whether the system is well-equipped to meet the challenges of modern warfare and international strife.

Key Challenges in Expanding Civilian Protections in International Law

The gaps that Celina identified in international law are not merely academic quibbles—they are reflective of real-world vulnerabilities. Some of the most pressing challenges include:

Protection of Noncombatants: Despite international norms, the enforcement of noncombatant immunity remains a tricky area, with various cases exposing the limits of current legal protections.
Balancing Sovereignty and Individual Rights: The international arena is rife with tense debates where state interests often override the need to secure individual rights. This balance is one of the most significant twisted issues faced by the global community.
Economic and Political Pressures: International legal systems are frequently influenced by powerful state actors, making the implementation of broad civilian protections a nerve-racking challenge.

Through her project, Celina not only brought these challenges to the forefront of academic discourse but also proposed potential pathways for reform. Her discussion with Prime Minister Salam, for example, provided concrete examples of cases where legal decisions have gradually moved towards better safeguarding individual rights. This encourages a rethinking of established legal frameworks to ensure they are more inclusive and protective of civilian populations.

Opportunities for Reformation

Despite the nerve-racking challenges present within international law, there are also remarkable opportunities for reform. Celina’s work highlights a number of avenues that could lead to more comprehensive civilian protections:

Legal Reforms: Amendments in international law could be designed to offer more robust remedies, ensuring that the rights of noncombatants are not sacrificed in the face of state interests.
Increased Accountability: By studying past cases from the ICJ, researchers like Celina provide a roadmap for how legal systems can be reformed to hold violators of noncombatant immunity accountable.
Enhanced Collaboration: International cooperation, as exemplified by direct dialogues between scholars and international leaders, can spur creative solutions that balance state sovereignty with individual rights.

These opportunities, while promising, require the collective efforts of policymakers, legal experts, and academics who are ready to tackle the tangled issues head-on. While the path to reform may be complicated and the twists and turns numerous, the example set by Celina’s work is a reminder that incremental change often starts with bold, well-researched initiatives at the grassroots academic level.

The Role of Summer Scholarship Programs in Shaping Future International Law Scholars

Summer scholarship programs, such as the Eckley Summer Scholar initiative, play an essential role in nurturing the talents and interests of emerging scholars like Celina. Renowned for providing both academic stipends and mentorship opportunities, these programs are instrumental in transforming academic inquiry from a classroom exercise into a sprawling, real-world investigation.

For many students, the chance to work intensively over the summer in a focused research environment is a critical step towards a career in international law. These programs allow students to take a closer look at real-world issues, build a network of academic mentors, and, most importantly, step out of the comfort zone of traditional coursework to engage with complex global challenges.

Key Benefits of the Eckley Summer Scholar Program

The Eckley Summer Scholar program stands out for several reasons, making it a key component in the development of future international law professionals:

Aspect	Benefit
Mentorship	Guidance from experienced professors who help students figure a path through tricky research topics.
Practical Experience	Real-world engagement with complex global issues that go beyond textbook learning.
Networking Opportunities	Direct interactions with influential figures, which can catalyze career development.
Academic Growth	Opportunities to refine research topics and develop critical thinking skills crucial for law.

This structured environment not only boosts academic growth but also instills an appreciation for the small distinctions that make international law both challenging and incredibly rewarding. By exposing students to the reality of legal disputes and state dynamics, summer programs ensure that the next generation of legal experts is well-prepared to handle the unpredictable twists and turns of international diplomacy.

Building a Future in International Law

For Celina, participation in the Eckley Summer Scholar program was more than a summer project—it was an intensive, super important journey of personal and intellectual growth. Her experiences have solidified her desire to attend law school and pursue a career dedicated to reshaping international legal frameworks. She envisions her research evolving into a broader project, potentially a book, that further addresses the void in effective civil remedies internationally.

Programs like these, by linking academic inquiry with tangible global challenges, ensure that emerging scholars are not only well-prepared academically but also carry the practical insights required to make a meaningful impact. In an era where legal systems must adapt quickly to new challenges, the development of such expertise is critical for the long-term evolution of international law to better protect individuals on a global scale.

Implications for Higher Education and Policy Reform

Celina’s academic journey provides an illustrative case study for how higher education institutions can support groundbreaking research that has implications beyond the classroom. By facilitating opportunities for students to work directly with policymakers and international leaders, universities play a pivotal role in shaping public policy and legal reform. Her work demonstrates that even challenging and intimidating research topics can yield practical solutions when approached with the right support and resources.

Her project is a testament to the growing trend in higher education where academic research is increasingly intertwined with real-world policy issues. In this environment, universities are not just centers of learning—they are active contributors to societal transformation, providing empirical insights that can inform state and federal policy decisions.

Innovative Academic Models and Policy Making

Several emerging academic models are now emphasizing the importance of direct dialogue between researchers and policymakers. These models encourage scholars to leave the confines of their academic silos and engage with the broader community, a process that:

Helps identify the overlooked or hidden complexities in international law.
Provides a platform for discussing the subtle details that can eventually inform legislative reforms.
Creates a feedback loop where academic insights are used to shape policy formulations, ensuring that legal frameworks respond more effectively to current global challenges.

Fragmented legal systems often struggle to find a clear solution for protecting civilian rights while respecting state autonomy. As Celina’s research shows, engaging with key policymakers, such as Prime Minister Salam, provides an invaluable opportunity to make tangible improvements to these systems. These interactions, when disseminated through academic journals and policy briefs, can serve as catalysts for meaningful reform at both state and international levels.

Shaping a Collaborative Future

Looking ahead, the integration of research and policy remains a super important goal for educational institutions. As universities evolve, they are likely to adopt even more collaborative models that encourage students to:

Work directly with experts in various fields including international law, policy analysis, and diplomatic history.
Engage in interdisciplinary research that addresses the multifaceted nature of global legal issues.
Develop practical skills that bridge the gap between theoretical inquiry and policy implementation.

Such initiatives not only enhance the educational experience but also contribute to building a future where international law is both more accessible and more inclusive. The evolution of these models is vital for reforming legal systems that are currently riddled with tension and loaded with political challenges.

Personal Reflections and the Broader Impact on Global Legal Systems

Celina’s groundbreaking research in international civil remedies is not merely an individual achievement; it resonates as a broader commentary on the state of global legal systems. Her willingness to get into the complicated pieces of international law and engage directly with policymakers exemplifies the potential impact that motivated undergraduate students can have on the field. By bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world practice, her work inspires future generations of legal scholars to explore challenging subjects and look for practical avenues to improve civil protections.

Her story invites educators, policymakers, and legal experts to consider how academic programs can continue to support these innovative research trajectories. With increased funding for summer scholarship programs, more dynamic mentorship models, and stronger partnerships between academic institutions and government bodies, the academic community can empower students to tackle the tricky parts of international law head-on.

The Importance of Practical, Hands-On Research

Celina’s interaction with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam underscores an essential truth: practical research and direct dialogue with experts can propel theoretical insights into actionable reforms. This hands-on approach offers several benefits:

It transforms nerve-racking academic challenges into manageable projects by breaking them down into simpler, interconnected parts.
It builds real-world competence by allowing students to discuss ethics, legal principles, and international policies with seasoned professionals.
It creates networks of influence whereby academic work can quickly transition into policy reform, benefiting societies on both local and international scales.

By engaging with these issues early in their careers, students like Celina not only shape their personal trajectories but also contribute to the broader evolution of international legal systems. When academic research is infused with such practical perspectives, it becomes a powerful tool for driving policy change and fostering a more equitable world.

Looking Forward: The Legacy of Research and Collaboration

Celina’s summer project and her subsequent career ambitions exemplify the legacy of research-driven collaboration. Her goal to expand her research into a larger project, potentially culminating in a book, reflects a commitment to long-term engagement with the challenges of international law. This endeavor may well serve as a blueprint for future projects that aim to make international legal systems more responsive to the needs of civilian populations.

As higher education institutions continue to nurture these future leaders through comprehensive programs and real-world interactions, the prospect of systematic policy reform becomes ever more promising. Celina’s journey is a reminder that even the most intimidating legal issues, when tackled with the right mentorship and a dedicated research spirit, can yield insights that reverberate far beyond the academic sphere.

Conclusion: Empowering the Next Generation Through Practical Legal Research

Celina El Ghossaini’s experience—highlighted by a once-in-a-lifetime meeting with a sitting Lebanese Prime Minister—serves as a beacon for how undergraduate research can intersect with high-stakes international policy. Her work digs into the tangled issues of international law, revealing both the shortcomings and the untapped opportunities within existing legal frameworks. By addressing the fine points of noncombatant immunity, military necessity, and ICJ jurisdiction, she provides a thoughtful, albeit challenging, roadmap for future reforms.

This experience, underpinned by robust mentorship and an intensely supportive research environment provided by the Eckley Summer Scholar program, has set a critical precedent. It proves that with the right blend of academic support, direct policy engagement, and sheer intellectual curiosity, even the most overwhelming issues in international law can be approached in ways that are both innovative and practically applicable.

In conclusion, Celina’s journey is a call to action for both educational institutions and policymakers. It encourages a reexamination of how legal education and practical policy dialogue can come together to address the neglected civilian protections in today’s international legal systems. As universities continue to foster such transformative experiences, the next generation of legal professionals will undoubtedly be better equipped to find their path through the maze of international law and drive much-needed reforms.

As we look to the future, it remains clear that practical, hands-on research is not only an asset to academic growth but also a key driver of policy innovation. Through such initiatives, students can play a pivotal role in reshaping international law, ensuring that the rights of noncombatants and individuals are safeguarded against the complex, ever-evolving nature of global conflicts.

Celina’s story, characterized by her bold initiative and the invaluable lessons learned along the way, underscores the potential for academic endeavors to influence policy and create a more just global community. By continuing to support and expand programs like the Eckley Summer Scholar initiative, higher education institutions can empower future leaders to navigate the tricky parts of international law, turning challenging issues into opportunities for enduring reform.

Originally Post From https://www.iwu.edu/news/2025/celina-el-ghossaini-26-meets-with-lebanese-prime-minister-for-insight-on-eckley-research.html