An Introduction to International Investment Law

This book provides a comprehensive overview of international investment law, focusing on the legal principles contained in international investment agreements and their development through arbitration case law. It adopts an engaging and succinct narrative style, allowing readers to advance their understanding of the topic while examining the legal principles with academic rigor and discerning commentary.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 380 pages
Publication date: 09 February 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This comprehensive and user-friendly introduction serves as a valuable resource for students and practitioners alike, providing a thorough exploration of the rapidly evolving field of international investment law. With a primary focus on the legal principles enshrined in the expanding corpus of international investment agreements, this book delves into the core concepts of the discipline, while also examining their interrelationships and evolution through arbitration case law. Each legal principle is contextualized, and the book addresses key debates and emerging criticisms, all while adopting an engaging and concise narrative style that enables readers to advance their understanding of the topic while engaging in rigorous academic analysis and critical commentary.

International investment law is a rapidly growing field that plays a crucial role in shaping the global economy. It encompasses a wide range of legal principles and agreements that govern the investment activities of individuals, corporations, and governments across borders. This book aims to provide a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the discipline, focusing primarily on the legal principles contained in the growing body of international investment agreements.

The legal principles of international investment law are based on a set of treaties, conventions, and agreements that have been negotiated and signed by countries around the world. These agreements aim to promote and protect foreign investment, while also ensuring that investors are treated fairly and equitably. They cover a wide range of topics, including investment promotion, protection, dispute resolution, and investment incentives.

One of the key aspects of international investment law is the principle of non-discrimination. This principle prohibits governments from treating foreign investors differently from domestic investors, regardless of their nationality or the nature of their investment. It ensures that investors are treated on a level playing field and that they are not subjected to unfair or discriminatory practices.

Another important principle of international investment law is the principle of fair and equitable treatment. This principle requires governments to provide investors with a fair and transparent legal framework, as well as with access to justice and effective remedies in the event of disputes. It also requires governments to protect investors' intellectual property rights and to prevent the expropriation of their investments.

International investment law also includes a range of dispute resolution mechanisms, such as arbitration and mediation. These mechanisms are designed to promote the peaceful resolution of investment disputes and to avoid the costly and time-consuming litigation that can arise in international courts.

In recent years, international investment law has faced a number of challenges and criticisms. One of the main concerns is the lack of transparency and accountability in the investment arbitration process. Critics argue that investment arbitration is often biased in favor of corporations and that it lacks sufficient oversight and regulation.

Another concern is the impact of international investment law on developing countries. Critics argue that it can lead to the exploitation of natural resources and labor in developing countries, while also undermining local economies and governance structures.

Despite these challenges and criticisms, international investment law remains an important tool for promoting economic development and promoting peace and stability in the global economy. It provides a framework for investors to protect their investments and for governments to attract foreign investment.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the field of international investment law. It covers the key legal principles, dispute resolution mechanisms, and challenges and criticisms that the discipline faces. It is an essential resource for students, practitioners, and policymakers interested in understanding the complex and evolving world of international investment.

Weight: 544g
Dimension: 228 x 152 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009245692
Edition number: 2 Revised edition