International Investment Law and Sustainable Development

This module provides students the opportunity to learn about the history, evolution, and impact of international investment law and policy, focusing on the relationship between investment law and sustainable development. The module covers: (1) the nature of foreign direct investment and the rationale for investment treaties and associated methods of dispute settlement; (2) the substantive and procedural standards and their interpretation, application, and evolution over time; (3) the impacts of investment treaties and policy on stakeholders and other key areas of law and policy, with a particular focus on human rights and climate change; (4) efforts to reform investment treaties and investor-state dispute settlement; and (5) alternative approaches to international investment governance that are aligned with sustainable development objectives. The module encourages students to think critically and creatively about the relationship between investment law and sustainable development.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the module students should be able to

• Explain core elements of foreign direct investment (FDI), investment treaties, and investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS)
• Understand and evaluate the relationship between international investment law and sustainable development
• Critically analyze the impacts of investment treaties and ISDS on specific areas of law and policy, including human rights and climate change
• Engage with investment law reform options advanced at national, regional, and international levels
• Identify and assess opportunities and challenges associated with alternative approaches to international investment governance.

Assessment:

• 3000-word essay. Topic to be chosen by the student among course topics. Turnitin submission (60%)
• In-class presentation and summary paper (30%)
• In-class attendance and participation (10%)

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