The Harold Jacobson Lecture was established in 2002 to honor Harold Jacobson, former director of the Center for Political Studies. "Jake" was best known for his work in international law and cooperation. The Harold Jacobson Lecture is an annual event to celebrate Jake’s contribution to the Center for Political Studies and to the study of international organization, international law, foreign policy, and the environment. Harold Jacobson lecturers have included Edith Brown Weiss, Kathryn Sikkink, Anne-Marie Slaughter, Charlotte Ku, and David Kay.

The lecture is presented annually in the fall. The Harold Jacobson Lecture is co-sponsored by the Center for Political Studies and the Department of Political Science.