 Here, Cornell explores the role of indigenous values, especially uBuntu, in the law, politics and ethics of the new South Africa.This work in South Africa continues to build on Cornell's career-long project of reimagining law as a force of revolutionary ethical transformation by looking beyond the Euro-American intellectual tradition.The depth and range of Cornell's visionary work has led to her being called “one of the last grand critical theorists of our time.” 

She played a key role in organizing the conference on deconstruction and justice at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in 1989, 1990, and 1993—a conference at which Jacques Derrida is thought by many to have made his definitive philosophical turn towards ethical thought.