Research Handbook on the Sociology of International Law
Edited by Moshe Hirsch and Andrew Lang
Chapter 17: Locked in language: historical sociology and the path dependency of investment treaty design
Wolfgang Alschner
Abstract
Past legal language exerts an almost magnetic force on negotiators. From boilerplate treaties or copy-and-paste adaptations to the codification of prior jurisprudence – practitioners constantly recycle already existent terms, phrases, and concepts into new legal outputs. This chapter links the reproduction of legal language to the concept of path-dependency and applies it to international investment agreements. The chapter shows that historical sociology rather than rational design helps to explain the path-dependent style and content of today’s investment regime. Using the fair and equitable treatment clause as a case study, the chapter traces how these clauses first emerged haphazardly in investment law, yet then became entrenched through efficiency considerations, sociological forces, and cognitive biases. The ensuing path-dependency has prevented adaptations of superior treaty design alternatives, and instead geared negotiators into reproducing or refining the fair and equitable treatment standard. Differently put, negotiators have become locked in language. The chapter concludes by outlining ways in which current reform efforts can overcome the system’s path-dependency to allow for innovation inspired not by past practices but by current needs.
You are not authenticated to view the full text of this chapter or article.
Elgaronline requires a subscription or purchase to access the full text of books or journals. Please login through your library system or with your personal username and password on the homepage.
Non-subscribers can freely search the site, view abstracts/ extracts and download selected front matter and introductory chapters for personal use.
Your library may not have purchased all subject areas. If you are authenticated and think you should have access to this title, please contact your librarian.