Rethinking International Investment Governance: Principles for the 21st Century

August 2018.

Rethinking International Investment Governance: Principles for the 21st Century — written over the course of a week by a distinguished group of experts in international economic governance using the Booksprint process  — aims to serve as a practical resource for those interested in the elements of an international investment system that promotes sustainable development and achieves legitimacy by providing benefits to all stakeholders.

The objective of Rethinking International Investment Governance is to change the terms of the debate so that societal values and goals are at the center of discussions about each reform proposal and process. This book rethinks international investment law as a key system in global economic governance that should incorporate principles of transparency, participation, reciprocity, accountability, and subsidiarity. It critically evaluates the current system of investment governance in light of those principles and goals. And finally, it proposes possible reforms—including multilateral ones—that would realign the governance of international investment with 21st century goals including reduction of poverty and inequality, and protection of human dignity, the environment and the planet.

A summary of key conclusions and recommendations from Rethinking International Investment Governance is available here.