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Dr. Nizar Hamzeh, Professor of Political Science and International Law at the American University of Kuwait (AUK), has published a new scholarly article examining Kuwait’s constitutional framework for incorporating and applying international law within its domestic legal system.
Titled “The Constitutional Incorporation of International Law in Gulf Arab States: Kuwait’s Model of Qualified Dualism in Comparative Perspective,” the article explores how Kuwait’s constitutional system governs the relationship between international legal obligations and domestic law. The study was published in the Journal of Daoist Studies (a Scopus-indexed Q2 academic journal), Vol. 19, Special Issue 2 (2026), pp. 157–172.
The article represents the first systematic doctrinal study in the English-language comparative international law literature of Kuwait’s constitutional framework governing the incorporation and domestic application of international law. The research introduces the concept of “qualified dualism” as a framework for understanding Kuwait’s distinctive approach to international law. Dr. Hamzeh examines how Kuwait combines formal constitutional requirements for incorporating international treaties into domestic law with circumstances in which treaty provisions may have direct judicial applicability.
A central focus of the study is Article 70 of Kuwait’s Constitution, which establishes requirements concerning the ratification of treaties. The research examines how these constitutional requirements interact with judicial practice and the doctrine of self-executing treaty provisions. According to the study, this creates a distinctive relationship between international and domestic law that does not fit neatly within conventional classifications of monism and dualism.
The article makes three principal contributions to comparative international and constitutional law. First, it provides a systematic analysis of Kuwait’s constitutional framework governing the incorporation and domestic application of international law. Second, it develops “qualified dualism” as an analytical framework for understanding the interaction between constitutional requirements and judicial applicability. Third, it contributes a Gulf and non-Western perspective to comparative international law scholarship, providing a basis for further research into how different constitutional systems receive, interpret, and apply international legal obligations.
Dr. Hamzeh’s research contributes to broader scholarly discussions on constitutional law, international law, and legal systems in the Gulf, while highlighting Kuwait as an important case for understanding the diverse ways in which international law operates within domestic constitutional frameworks. The publication reflects AUK’s commitment to supporting faculty scholarship, research, and intellectual engagement with issues of significance to Kuwait and the wider region.
Read the full article: The Constitutional Incorporation of International Law in Gulf Arab States: Kuwait’s Model of Qualified Dualism in Comparative Perspective
Dr. Nizar Hamzeh, Professor of Political Science and International Law
As part of its commitment to serving the community and creating a positive social impact, the American University of Kuwait (AUK), in collaboration with LOYAC, launched a community initiative to support families with limited income and help them prepare for the new academic year.
The initiative included the preparation of comprehensive school kits containing essential supplies for students across different educational stages. A total of 200 students received the kits through LOYAC, helping them prepare for the academic year and ensuring they have access to the basic educational resources they need.
This initiative reflects AUK’s commitment to strengthening its social responsibility and contributing to meaningful community-focused initiatives that create a lasting positive impact, while supporting students as they begin a new academic year.
Through this collaboration, AUK seeks to work alongside LOYAC to help alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with preparing for the academic year and ensure that students have access to the essential supplies needed to begin their studies with confidence and readiness.
Volunteering also represents an essential component of this initiative, highlighting the important role volunteers play in promoting a culture of giving and encouraging individuals to actively contribute to serving others. Such volunteer experiences provide participants with an opportunity to make a direct contribution to the community, foster teamwork and initiative, and strengthen their sense of responsibility toward others, highlighting the value of volunteerism and its role in community development.
The initiative also reflects the importance of partnership and collaboration between institutions in uniting efforts and expanding the scope of initiatives aimed at supporting students. AUK continues to collaborate with organizations across Kuwait to support initiatives that contribute to empowering individuals, addressing their needs, and building a better future for all.
Group photo of AUK volunteers during the initiative
General photo of the initiative
General photo of the initiative
AUK is proud to announce that its Tutoring Center has successfully renewed its College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) International Tutor Training Program Certification (ITTPC) for the fourth consecutive cycle. The certification, which has been renewed through 2030, marks more than a decade of AUK’s commitment to elevating and continually updating its peer tutor training standards and practices through CRLA certification.
The College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) is an internationally recognized organization dedicated to advancing learning assistance, reading, and academic support services. Through its rigorous International Tutor Training Program Certification, institutions demonstrate that their tutor training programs meet internationally recognized standards in tutor selection, training, supervision, and ongoing evaluation.
The renewal reflects AUK’s continued commitment to delivering high-quality peer tutoring services. Following a comprehensive peer-review process, the University’s Tutoring Center once again met CRLA’s rigorous standards, reaffirming the strength and effectiveness of its tutor training program.
Beyond validating the quality of AUK’s tutoring program, the certification equips student peer tutors with internationally recognized training that strengthens their academic, professional, and leadership skills. It also ensures that students benefit from a tutoring program aligned with global best practices in academic support.
During the 2025–2026 academic year, the Writing and Tutoring Centers continued to support hundreds of students across the University while certifying a new cohort of peer tutors who successfully completed the CRLA International Tutor Training Program.
This achievement reinforces AUK’s ongoing commitment to student success by fostering a collaborative learning environment that empowers students both inside and outside the classroom while maintaining internationally recognized standards of academic support.
AUK Writing & Tutoring Centers’ staff with some of the peer tutors and student employees celebrate the renewal of the CRLA International Tutor Training Program Certification
AUK has entered into an official collaboration with Ruba, a Kuwait-based digital platform specializing in flexible tuition payment solutions, to provide students and their families with greater convenience and flexibility in managing tuition fees.
The collaboration reflects AUK’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the student experience and providing services that respond to the evolving needs of its community. By facilitating access to flexible tuition payment solutions, AUK aims to make the process of managing educational expenses more convenient for students and their families.
Ruba’s platform provides families with a streamlined digital experience for managing tuition payments and facilitating access to flexible solutions provided by Ruba’s accredited Sharia-compliant financing partners.
The platform has been developed to address the challenges associated with large, upfront education payments by allowing eligible families to manage tuition through structured installment arrangements.
Through the partnership, students and parents can benefit from a more convenient approach to tuition payment management, while maintaining a seamless relationship with AUK’s existing tuition payment processes. The collaboration also reflects the university’s efforts to strengthen partnerships with innovative organizations that contribute to the accessibility and overall quality of the higher education experience in Kuwait.
The partnership between AUK and Ruba highlights a shared commitment to supporting students and families through innovative solutions that simplify the financial aspects of higher education.
By introducing greater flexibility into tuition payment options, the collaboration aims to provide families with additional support as they invest in their students’ academic and professional futures.
Through partnerships such as this, AUK continues to explore opportunities that enhance the overall student experience and provide its community with services that are accessible, practical, and responsive to their needs.
Group photo for AUK & Ruba representatives
AUK Associate Professor of Art and Graphic Design Clark Stoeckley presented Stars & Stripes, a series of Risograph prints developed during his Dartmouth-AUK Faculty Fellowship, at a Breakfast with the Arts event hosted by Dartmouth’s Department of Studio Art on August 11, 2026. Held at the Nearburg Gallery, the event showcased work Stoeckley created during his summer fellowship in collaboration with Tricia Treacy, Professor and Chair of the Department of Studio Art. Stoeckley credits Treacy with first introducing him to the Risograph printmaking process during Treacy’s workshop at the Tasmeem Doha Art + Design Conference in 2019, hosted by VCU Qatar.
“Collaborating with the AUK program in the Provost’s Office to bring Clark to our studios this summer was a seamless experience. It was wonderful to see people from a range of departments and programs join us for a morning discussion about the artwork in the Nearburg Gallery. It’s always rewarding when our programs extend to new audiences and create connections across campus,” said Treacy.
Stars & Stripes is a series of Risograph prints developed during the Dartmouth-AUK Faculty Fellowship and inspired by Stoeckley’s ongoing Thoughts & Prayers project. The works examine how geometry, cultural identity, spirituality, and political tension intersect within printmaking. The title, Stars & Stripes, nods to both Islamic geometric motifs and the American flag, reflecting Stoeckley’s experience between cultures and the landscapes that shape them. The phrase “thoughts and prayers” becomes a starting point for deeper reflection rather than an ending. Having lived in Kuwait for ten years, his work is shaped by the geometry of mosques, the patterns of local souks, and the layered sights and sounds of Arab and Asian cultures. These daily encounters sparked his interest in how repetition, pattern, and gentle disruption can express both order and uncertainty.
The Risograph process is central to Stoeckley’s prints. Layering translucent soy-based inks, each piece accepts shifts in registration, overlaps, and surprising color effects. These irregularities become metaphors for cultural exchange, memory, and the evolving nature of identity. The process’s balance of control and unpredictability echoes the tensions present in the work. Through these prints, Stoeckley explores how visual meditation can create space for reflection and empathy. Drawing from sacred geometry, stained glass, street art, and architecture, the works shift between structure and spontaneity. Their layered forms seek harmony in fragmentation and encourage mindful looking at abstraction as a quiet act of contemplation.
Clark Stoeckley is a multidisciplinary artist whose recent work bridges geometric abstraction and documentary photography. His latest projects include vibrant large-scale murals for the Kuwait National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, the Downtown Minneapolis Street Art Festival, and Burning Man, as well as a photography series, Feral Felines, capturing the lives of stray cats. His geometric abstract drawings and murals fuse architectural precision with organic rhythm, transforming public and gallery spaces into dynamic fields of color and pattern. As a courtroom artist, Stoeckley illustrated and authored The United States vs. Private Chelsea Manning: A Graphic Account Inside the Courtroom. His art has been exhibited at the Pratt Manhattan Gallery, apexart, Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, Emily Harvey Foundation Gallery, EIDIA House, Kunsthal Charlottenborg, Hartware Medien Kunst Verein, Revolt Gallery, and Contemporary Art Platform Kuwait. His work has appeared in ARTnews, VICE, Hyperallergic, Associated Press, The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, The Nation, MSNBC, and PBS. Stoeckley earned an MFA in Performance and Interactive Media Art from Brooklyn College and a BFA in Alternative Media from Webster University. He is currently an Associate Professor of Art & Graphic Design at the American University of Kuwait and previously taught at Bloomfield College.
Stoeckley is currently a visiting scholar in the Studio Art Department through the DIMEX/Dartmouth-American University of Kuwait Program. His work is on display in the Nearburg Gallery through August 19.
Attendees view prints from Clark Stoeckley’s Stars & Stripes series at Dartmouth’s Breakfast with the Arts event
Photography Courtesy of Aurora Landers
Clark Stoeckley speaks with a visitor at the Stars & Stripes opening, part of his summer fellowship with Dartmouth’s Department of Studio Art
Photography Courtesy of Aurora Landers
Clark Stoeckley discusses Stars & Stripes, a series of Risograph prints created during his Faculty Fellowship at Dartmouth
Photography Courtesy of Aurora Landers
AUK has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kuwait Airways to strengthen cooperation in academic, training, and professional fields. The agreement reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to supporting the development of national talent, fostering innovation, and promoting the exchange of knowledge.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Abdulwahab Al Shatti, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Kuwait Airways, and Dr. Aseel Al-Awadhi, President of the American University of Kuwait.
The agreement establishes a framework for sustainable cooperation based on mutual benefit and aims to strengthen integration between higher education institutions and the business sector. Through this partnership, AUK and Kuwait Airways will collaborate on initiatives and specialized programs that contribute to developing national capabilities while providing educational and training opportunities that prepare students for the future requirements of the labor market.
The partnership adopts an integrated approach that combines academic learning with practical application, enabling students to gain direct exposure to real work environments and benefit from the expertise available at Kuwait Airways. It also contributes to preparing graduates who are equipped to meet the evolving needs of the labor market.
The Memorandum of Understanding includes the implementation of joint initiatives and programs, including specialized lectures, workshops, and the participation of experts and specialists from both institutions. These initiatives aim to enrich students' academic experience, promote the exchange of knowledge, and strengthen their practical and professional skills.
The agreement also provides for cooperation through AUK's Center for Continuing Education (CCE) to deliver professional development programs for Kuwait Airways employees. The Center will organize and coordinate specialized training programs and workshops that support the company's efforts to enhance employee capabilities while promoting a culture of continuous learning and institutional development.
The areas of cooperation further include cybersecurity, digital transformation, innovation, and entrepreneurship, supporting institutional excellence and enhancing organizational performance.
In addition, Kuwait Airways will participate in career fairs and professional events organized by AUK, providing students and alumni with opportunities to explore career pathways within the aviation sector while contributing to the recruitment of promising national talent.
Dr. Aseel Al-Awadhi, President of the American University of Kuwait, noted that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with Kuwait Airways represents an important step toward expanding cooperation between higher education and the aviation sector. She added that the partnership strengthens the integration of academic education with practical application, enabling students to gain valuable experience while contributing to the preparation of qualified national talent capable of leading the future and supporting Kuwait's development.
Abdulwahab Al Shatti, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Kuwait Airways, and Dr. Aseel Al-Awadhi, President of the American University of Kuwait
Group photo following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) continues to expand its global research collaborations through its longstanding partnership with Dartmouth College, as two AUK faculty members recently showcased their research and collaborative initiatives during faculty research gathering held at Dartmouth on July 27, 2026.
The event brought together faculty members and academic leaders from both institutions to explore new opportunities for interdisciplinary research and strengthen academic collaboration across a range of disciplines.
Representing AUK were Dr. Amro Nour, Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Dr. Clark Stoeckley, Associate Professor of Art and Graphic Design, who presented research projects developed in collaboration with Dartmouth faculty.
Dr. Nour highlighted PRINTHEAT, a research project funded by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS). The project is led by Dr. Nour, with Dr. Belal Gharaibeh, Associate Professor of Engineering at AUK, serving as Co-Principal Investigator and Professor Fridon Shubitidze of Dartmouth College serving as project consultant. The initiative focuses on developing standardized 3D-printed anatomical models for biomedical thermal studies, demonstrating the impact of international collaboration in advancing scientific research and innovation.
Dr. Stoeckley, recipient of the 2026 Dartmouth Faculty Fellowship, presented his collaborative research with Professor Tricia Treacy of Dartmouth's Department of Studio Art. Their project explores Islamic geometric design through risograph printmaking and the integration of traditional and digital artistic techniques. The resulting work will be exhibited at Dartmouth's Nearburg Gallery from August 6–21, 2026.
The gathering also provided an opportunity to highlight AUK's expanding research portfolio, faculty expertise, and growing capacity to support international research collaboration. Discussions focused on developing new partnerships in areas of shared academic strength, including engineering, computer science, and interdisciplinary research.
The event was attended by senior Dartmouth academic leaders, including Professor Jonathan Smolin, Director of the Dartmouth Initiative for Middle East Exchange (DIMEX), Professor David Kotz, DIMEX Faculty Ambassador to the Dartmouth–AUK Program, and Kerry Laufer, Executive Director of the Dartmouth–AUK Program, together with members of the DIMEX Advisory Board and faculty representing a wide range of academic disciplines.
The American University of Kuwait and Dartmouth College have maintained a successful academic partnership for more than two decades, encompassing faculty research, student programs, and a broad range of collaborative initiatives. Today, the partnership continues under the Dartmouth Initiative for Middle East Exchange (DIMEX), providing an expanded platform for collaborative research, academic exchange, and experiential learning opportunities.
Through strategic international partnerships such as its collaboration with Dartmouth College, AUK continues to advance its commitment to research excellence, innovation, and global engagement while providing its faculty and students with meaningful opportunities to collaborate with leading scholars and institutions worldwide. These efforts reflect the University's mission to foster academic excellence, generate impactful research, and prepare graduates to contribute to the advancement of Kuwait and the global community.
Dr. Amro Nour, Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the American University of Kuwait (AUK), and Professor Fridon Shubitidze of Dartmouth's Thayer School of Engineering
Clark Stoeckley the recipient of the summer 2026 faculty fellowship at Dartmouth attending a social dinner with Dr. Amro Nour, Professor Fridon Shubitidze and Kerry Laufer
Dartmouth and AUK
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) participated in the Universities Exhibition, held from July 1 to 4, 2026, reaffirming its commitment to empowering students to build their academic and professional futures through high-quality education and a comprehensive university experience.
AUK’s booth attracted strong interest from students, parents, and other visitors, who had the opportunity to learn more about the University’s academic programs, admission procedures, scholarship opportunities, campus life, and the initiatives and opportunities designed to develop students’ skills and prepare them for the labor market.
The University also showcased the academic programs offered by the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business and Economics, and the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Faculty members were present to answer visitors’ questions and provide academic guidance to help prospective students select majors and academic pathways that align with their ambitions and interests.
AUK representatives highlighted the University’s educational environment, student activities, training and development opportunities, and initiatives that foster leadership, critical thinking, and effective communication skills. These opportunities are designed to prepare students for professional life and enable them to meet the evolving demands of the labor market.
AUK’s participation forms part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen engagement with the community, introduce students and parents to its academic offerings, and support them in making informed educational decisions by providing the necessary information and guidance.
At the conclusion of the exhibition, the American University of Kuwait expressed its appreciation to everyone who visited its booth and reaffirmed its eagerness to welcome new students to campus and embark with them on a rewarding academic journey that contributes to building their futures and achieving their aspirations.
A group photo of representatives from AUK
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kuwait Association of Accountants and Auditors (KAAA) in a step aimed at strengthening collaboration between the two institutions and supporting academic education and professional development, contributing to the preparation of highly qualified national talent capable of meeting the evolving needs of the labor market.
The signing ceremony was held in the presence of Dr. Aseel Al-Awadhi, President of the American University of Kuwait. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on behalf of AUK by Dr. Ali Charara, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and on behalf of the Association by Mr. Sabah Mubarak Al-Jallawi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kuwait Association of Accountants and Auditors.
The MoU aims to expand cooperation across a range of joint initiatives, including organizing conferences, seminars, and workshops; exchanging expertise and knowledge; enhancing training and professional development opportunities for students; and implementing activities that contribute to the advancement of the accounting and auditing profession while strengthening the connection between academic learning and professional practice.
The partnership reflects the American University of Kuwait's commitment to building strategic relationships with leading professional organizations to enhance the quality of education and provide students with greater opportunities to gain practical experience and engage with industry professionals across various sectors. These efforts support the University's mission of preparing graduates equipped with the knowledge and skills required to meet the demands of today's workforce.
The Memorandum of Understanding also reaffirms the shared commitment of both parties to strengthening collaboration between higher education institutions and professional organizations through the development of joint initiatives and programs that promote innovation, knowledge exchange, and professional skills development, thereby contributing to the continued advancement of the accounting and auditing profession in the State of Kuwait.
Through its strategic partnerships, the American University of Kuwait continues to expand collaboration with local and regional institutions in line with its mission of delivering high-quality education and preparing graduates who are equipped to make meaningful contributions to society and support sustainable development.
A view of the Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony
A group photo of representatives from the American University of Kuwait (AUK) and the Kuwait Association of Accountants and Auditors (KAAA)
Dr. Ali Charara and Mr. Sabah Mubarak Al-Jallawi sign the Memorandum of Understanding
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Social Affairs to strengthen cooperation between the two institutions. The agreement aims to provide assessment tests and professional preparation courses for applicants seeking financial and administrative controller positions at Kuwait’s cooperative societies (co-ops), thereby contributing to the development of national talent and enhancing applicants’ professional readiness.
The agreement reflects AUK’s commitment to its community role and its mission to support national development by delivering high-quality training and professional development programs based on leading academic and professional practices. These programs are designed to respond to labor market needs and the requirements of government institutions.
Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Quraishi, Director of the Center for Continuing Education at the American University of Kuwait, stated that the collaboration reflects the University’s commitment to leveraging its academic and training expertise in service of the community and to strengthening cooperation with government institutions.
Dr. Al-Quraishi said: "This partnership stems from the American University of Kuwait’s responsibility toward the community and its belief in the importance of supporting national initiatives that contribute to preparing qualified professionals equipped with the skills and knowledge required to perform their duties efficiently and professionally. Through this agreement, we seek to utilize the University’s academic expertise and resources in support of government institutions. We also look forward to establishing further strategic partnerships with ministries and government entities in a manner that advances Kuwait’s national development goals."
Under the Memorandum of Understanding, AUK’s Center for Continuing Education will organize and administer the assessment tests and professional preparation courses in accordance with academic and professional standards that ensure high-quality outcomes and effectively prepare applicants for positions at Kuwait’s co-ops.
The American University of Kuwait reaffirmed its commitment to expanding its partnerships with the public and private sectors, further strengthening its role as an active partner in human capital development, promoting a culture of lifelong learning, and contributing to Kuwait’s vision of building a qualified national workforce capable of meeting the requirements of sustainable development.
Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Quraishi, Director General of the Center for Continuing Education at AUK
Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Quraishi and Dr. Khaled Al-Ajmi sign the Memorandum of Understanding
