Guides: International Investment Law Research Guide: Introduction

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Introduction

International investment law governs foreign direct investment and the resolution of disputes between foreign investors and sovereign states. This guide identifies the best resources for locating primary and secondary materials related to international investment law, with an emphasis on bilateral investment treaties (BITs) and the arbitration of investor-state disputes.

Key Resources for International Investment Law Research

Global Arbitration Review (GAR) (shared user name and password)*
Specialized news source for monitoring the latest developments in investor-state arbitration. Also publishes practitioner guides and annual surveys.
Investment Arbitration Reporter (IAR) Access articles and commentary about pending and recently concluded arbitrations, plus profiles of leading arbitrators.
Investment Claims Access arbitral decisions and awards, bilateral investment treaties, and articles and book chapters on investment law.
Investment Policy Hub This free resource, maintained by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), covers national laws governing foreign investment, investment treaties, investor-state disputes, and related matters.
Investor-State Law Guide (ISLG) Includes a database of investor-state dispute documents; analytical tools for researching arbitral decisions by topic or by treaty article; and a citator for determining whether arbitral decisions have been cited by tribunals in subsequent cases.

For more detailed information about the resources described above, see the Free & Subscription-Based Databases page of this research guide.

* Click on the name of the database to open the library catalog record. Then scroll down to the heading "View Online - Full Text Availability" and click on the link. When prompted, enter your GULC Net ID and password. After the page refreshes, you will find a link to the database along with the shared user name and password. Please log out when finished.

Research Assistance and Help with Related Topics

If you need assistance with international investment law research, visit the Research Help page of the Georgetown University Law Library's website. Or contact the Law Library's International and Foreign Law Department by phone (202-662-4195) or by email (lawintlref@georgetown.edu). Georgetown Law Center students may schedule a one-on-one research consultation with a librarian.

For advice on researching the resolution of international commercial disputes between private parties, consult the Law Library's guide to International Commercial Arbitration.