Investment Law's Alibis
Colonialism, Imperialism, Debt and Development

Connects narratives associated with colonialism, imperialism, civilized justice, debt, and development to international investment treaty law and arbitration.

David Schneiderman (Author)

9781009153492, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 4 August 2022

224 pages
23.5 x 15.8 x 2 cm, 0.52 kg

This book aims to connect narratives associated with the past to the international regime that protects property and contract rights of foreign investors. The book scrutinizes justifications offered to sustain practices associated with colonialism, imperialism, civilized justice, debt, and development, revealing that a number of the rationales offered in support of investment law disciplines replicate those arising out of this discredited past. By revealing these linkages, the book raises concerns about investment law's premises. It would appear that the normative foundations for today's regime reproduces discursive practices that are less than compelling. The book argues that citizens deserve something more than historically discredited reasons to justify the exercise of power over them – something more than mere pretext.

Introduction
1. Colonialism of investment law
2. Imperialism of investment law
3. The decline and rise of standards of civilized justice
4. The stifling threat of debt
5. The difficulty of decolonizing investment law
6. Divesting for development
Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Trademarks law [LNRF], Industrial relations & trade unions law [LNHR], International economic & trade law [LBBM], Public international law [LBB], Development economics & emerging economies [KCM], International economics [KCL]