Treaty influencers: a computational analysis of the development of international investment law

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article uses computational methods to analyse the development of the international investment law regime, seeking to understand how, when, and by whom change in treaty language occurs. The study uses a novel computational method to explore the influence of different states on the language of international investment treaties and the spread of language patterns. The analysis reveals a hegemony of Western European, rather than North American influence, and further highlights a clear early mover advantage for obtaining language spread. The article discusses the implications of these findings for the investment treaty system, particularly the limited impact of hard negotiating power compared to early entrance and convincing legal language.