GHEA21 Open Educational Resources

Document Type

Course Material

Publication Date

1-2026

Abstract

This book is focused on international investment law, justice, and sustainable development. It is intended as a study and research resource for anyone interested in investment law and investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS). It is widely recognized that states receiving foreign direct investment (FDI) often greatly benefit from it, as FDI is one of the driving forces of economic development. Nevertheless, FDI can also cause environmental harm, social unrest, a ‘race-to-the-bottom’ in regulatory standards as well as other negative consequences, if not properly regulated. As FDI may have a double-edged impact, both positive and negative, it is important for states not only to attract and protect investors and investments, but also to ensure that they obtain the economic and technological benefits without excessive and avoidable social, economic, and environmental harm that can outweigh the benefits derived from the investment. One important way of attaining this goal is to have a proper legal framework for the regulation of foreign direct investment and to ensure its systematic and consistent enforcement.

Accordingly, one of the most significant and pressing challenges facing the international community in the 21st century is to advance a new generation legal framework of FDI that better balances investor and investment protection on the one side, and the promotion of host states’ sustainable development, and the social, economic, and human rights of their citizens, on the other. Our book aims to provide or at least contribute to the development of such a new legal framework. To achieve this ambitious goal, we have called upon a new generation of investment lawyers, academics, mediators, and arbitrators, representing all major legal systems and cultures. Forty-six authors from Asia, North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Australia have written chapters on issues related to investment law and investment dispute settlement. We have included the contributions of experts on investment law, justice, and sustainable developing who work as university teachers, arbitrators, counsel, practicing lawyers, and other experts in this field. Our authors represent various universities and colleges, including but not limited to Bard College Berlin, Central European University, Indiana University, American University of Central Asia, Columbia University, Princeton University, Monash University, Maharashtra National Law University Mumbai, University of Galway, International University of Sarajevo, University of Szeged, University of Aberdeen, European Humanities University, George Washington University Law School, Chinese University of Hong Kong, and others. They also represent key research institutes in the field of investment law, among which are Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment (a joint center of Columbia Law School and Columbia Climate School, USA) and International Investment Law Centre Cologne (University of Cologne, Germany). In addition, we have contributions from authors working in leading law firms specializing on investment disputes from around the world, international arbitration centers, and international and national organizations involved in issues related to investment law, justice, and sustainable development.

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