Richard A. Falk

Richard Anderson Falk (born November 13, 1930) is an American international law scholar, academic, and writer. He is Albert G. Milbank Professor of International Law Emeritus at Princeton University and has published extensively on international law, human rights, and global governance.

Falk served as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967 from 2008 to 2014, reporting to the United Nations Human Rights Council on legal and human rights issues arising from the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. His appointment and tenure drew international attention and criticism, including objections from some governments and organizations regarding alleged bias and public statements he made while in office.

Falk has written on issues including the Vietnam War, the Iranian Revolution, nuclear disarmament, and United States foreign policy. His public positions have generated controversy, including his defense of Vietnam War protesters who used violent tactics, early commentary expressing support for Ruhollah Khomeini during the Iranian Revolution, and later criticism of the Iranian government. He has also been criticized for statements regarding the September 11 attacks, including calls for further investigation, and for remarks following the Boston Marathon bombing linking such events to United States foreign policy.

Falk’s writings on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, including characterizations of Israeli policies as apartheid and criticism of Israeli military actions, have been widely cited and disputed. He has also faced criticism and calls for resignation in connection with statements and online postings described by critics as antisemitic, for which he has at times issued apologies.