This book aims to connect narratives associated with the past to the international regime that protects property and contract rights of foreign investors. The book scrutinizes justifications offered to sustain practices associated with colonialism, imperialism, civilized justice, debt, and development, revealing that a number of the rationales offered in support of investment law disciplines replicate those arising out of this discredited past. By revealing these linkages, the book raises concerns about investment law's premises. It would appear that the normative foundations for today's regime reproduces discursive practices that are less than compelling. The book argues that citizens deserve something more than historically discredited reasons to justify the exercise of power over them – something more than mere pretext.

David Schneiderman is Professor of Law and Political Science at the University of Toronto where he teaches and writes in the areas of constitutional law and international investment law. He has been visiting Professor of Law at Gothenburg University, University of Stockholm, Tel Aviv University, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Georgetown University, Columbia University and the New School for Social Research. He is the author of over eighty articles and book chapters and also the author or editor of twelve books.