Dispute Settlement and the Reform of International Investment Law

Legalization through Adjudication

Elgar International Investment Law series

Chen Yu, Assistant Professor, School of Law, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

This concise and insightful book studies the role of the ISDS mechanism in the legalization, and legitimacy, of the international investment law regime. Providing an interdisciplinary perspective on ISDS through the constructivist theory of international relations, this book argues that reforming ISDS can contribute to the legalization of international investment law, but such a contribution is subject to both “institutional” and “internal” limitations.

‘Dr Yu’s use of “constructivism” as the starting point to reform international investment law is a breath of fresh air in the sea of troubleshooting literature. Whether or not one shares her optimism that a currently divided field of study can one day bear witness to the institutionalization of shared understandings and values, Dr Yu’s cross-disciplinary approach has much to commend it. Thoroughly researched and deftly written, this book will appeal to a broad spectrum of stakeholders in international investment law.’
– Jean Ho, National University of Singapore

‘Dr Chen Yu’s book presents a timely, innovative and thought-provoking study on the cutting-edge issue of dispute settlement and reform of international investment law through legalization theory. With its rich theoretical and empirical contents, this book represents a major contribution to contemporary international economic law.’
– Manjiao Chi, University of International Business and Economics, China