ABSTRACT

This study investigates the importance of the relative positioning of foreign investors’ country and that of the host country in investor-state disputes. We find that investors accustomed to strong institutions at home are more likely to file a dispute against a host state with poorer institutions. Investment disputes are less likely among politically aligned nations and when the host country is dependent on the investor’s country for its exports. Familiarity, facilitated by geographically proximity and language similarity is associated with higher instances of disputes. Our findings highlight the need for a nuanced approach to foreign investment policymaking and reforms that is responsive to the relative positioning of the parties involved.

摘要

本研究调查了外国投资者所在国与东道国相对定位在投资者与东道国争端中的重要性。我们发现，习惯于国内强大机构的投资者更有可能对机构较差的东道国提出争议。政治上结盟的国家之间以及当东道国的出口依赖于投资者所在国时，投资纠纷不太可能发生。地理上的接近和语言的相似性促进了熟悉度，这与较高的争议事件有关。我们的研究结果强调，有必要对外国投资决策和改革采取细致入微的方法，以响应相关各方的相对定位。