The effect on developing countries by the arrival of foreign direct investment (FDI) has been a subject of controversy for decades in the development community. This book adopts an interdisciplinary perspective combining insights from international investment law, human rights law and economics.

Essential resources do more than satisfy people's needs. They ensure a dignified existence. Since the competition for essential resources, particularly fresh water and arable land, is increasing and standard legal institutions, such as property rights and national border controls, are strangling access to resources for some while delivering prosperity to others, many are searching for ways to ensure their fair distribution.

This book argues that the division of essential resources ought to be governed by a combination of Voice and Reflexivity. Voice is the ability of social groups to...