Foreign Direct Investment, Investment Treaty Arbitration and the Rule of Law

McGeorge Global Business and Development Law Journal, Vol. 19, p. 337, 2007

37 Pages Posted: 24 Mar 2006

See all articles by Susan Franck

Susan Franck

American University - Washington College of Law

Abstract

In the last decade, there has been a surge in the number of multi-lateral and bilateral investment treaties governments have signed; meanwhile there have been dramatic increases in the amount of foreign direct investment (FDI); and, more recently, the number of claims brought under investment treaties has spiked. This Article examines the relationship amongst these factors and is the first to review the emerging empirical economic literature investigating whether investment treaties achieve their goal of promoting FDI. The Article then specifically evaluates the impact that the procedural right to arbitrate investment claims plays in the process of promoting FDI and facilitating investment decisions. It considers this issue directly by evaluating models with non-traditional treaty dispute resolution mechanisms and considering the impact on FDI levels. The article then looks at the indirect role that investment treaty arbitration can play in facilitating investment and promoting the rule of law. The Article concludes that investment treaty arbitration's precise impact on FDI is unclear; nevertheless, as it has important implications for investment and the rule of law, it is a factor worthy of ongoing consideration.

Keywords: Foreign Investment, FDI, Investment Treaty, BIT, NAFTA, AUSFTA, ICSID, treaty arbitration, China, Brazil, Ireland, Australia, Rule of Law

JEL Classification: F21, F23, F40, K33, K40, E62, K20, P20, O20, O19

Suggested Citation

Franck, Susan, Foreign Direct Investment, Investment Treaty Arbitration and the Rule of Law. McGeorge Global Business and Development Law Journal, Vol. 19, p. 337, 2007, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=882443

Susan Franck (Contact Author)

American University - Washington College of Law ( email )

4300 Nebraska Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016
United States

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