Introductory description

The module aims to give students an understanding of the key rules, institutions and actors in the field of International Economic Law (IEL). It will also explore IEL’s social, environmental and developmental impacts.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The module will introduce and examine key aspects of international economic law (IEL) with a focus on international trade law, international investment law, international financial law and the regulation of transnational corporations. It will provide an overview of the legal foundations of the global economy and the regulatory frameworks governing international economic relations.

The module will examine the impact of IEL on a range of actors and issues including its impact on developing countries, the protection of the rights and interests of workers, the protection of the environment, and the promotion of sustainable development. The module will also consider the evolving nature of this branch of public international law, including changes brought about by the processes of globalization and emerging initiatives aimed at creating more socially and ecologically responsive international economic norms.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Have an understanding of the rules, institutions and the role played by key actors in the field of International Economic Law
• Understand the historical context of key IEL institutions and agreements in international trade, investment and financial law and the rationale for their development.
• Critically engage with debates about the legitimacy, effectiveness and fairness of key IEL rules and institutions and interrogate whose interests they promote.
• Consider and evaluate the intersection between IEL rules and institutions and other values (such as sustainable development) and advancements (such as the growth of the digital economy).
• Appreciate a range of key social justice issues raised by specific IEL law rules and demonstrate an ability to evaluate the extent to which existing rules successfully incorporate consideration of these issues, and how they might be reformed in the future.
• Articulate arguments orally and in writing supported by evidence and analysis

Indicative reading list

VAN DEN BOSSCHE, Peter, The Law and Policy of the World Trade Organization: Texts, Cases and Materials 3rd edition (Cambridge University press, 2013)

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

No subject specific skills defined for this module.

Transferable skills

No transferable skills defined for this module.