University of Tehran Public Law Studies Quarterly 2423-8120 54 4 2024 12 21 Foundations and Challenges of Social Responsibility in International ‎Trade Agreements Foundations and Challenges of Social Responsibility in International ‎Trade Agreements 2365 2393 96728 10.22059/jplsq.2022.339056.3032 FA Hamid Hamidian Assistant prof. Faculty of Law and Political Sciences, University of Mazandaran Ali Rezaee Associate Professor, Department of Privte Law, Faculty of Law and Political Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran Journal Article 2022 03 01 In recent decades, social responsibility has been a missing link in international investment and trade agreements. Understanding the nature and basis of this responsibility, as well as the challenges it faces, are critical issues that need to be addressed. Research findings indicate that the soft language of agreements, fears of the economic consequences of invoking this condition, the potential for government abuse, litigation costs, and the predominance of a commercial approach in courts hamper the implemention of social responsibility in international trade agreements. It seems that providing a conducive environment for the free presence of civil society representatives, considering social responsibility within the framework of the principle of fair treatment, and invoking general legal principles such as the principle of good faith and implementing effective incentive policies could lead to the establishment of this condition in trade agreements. Ultimately, based on the experiences examined in trade agreements, it appears that Iranian policymakers should promote social responsibility and legally solidify soft law rules in investment laws, regulations, and treaties, while also making the implementation of this responsibility contingent upon the preservation of vital interests. This way, justifiable actions can lead to lower costs for the country regarding non-fulfillment of obligations to foreign investors. In recent decades, social responsibility has been a missing link in international investment and trade agreements. Understanding the nature and basis of this responsibility, as well as the challenges it faces, are critical issues that need to be addressed. Research findings indicate that the soft language of agreements, fears of the economic consequences of invoking this condition, the potential for government abuse, litigation costs, and the predominance of a commercial approach in courts hamper the implemention of social responsibility in international trade agreements. It seems that providing a conducive environment for the free presence of civil society representatives, considering social responsibility within the framework of the principle of fair treatment, and invoking general legal principles such as the principle of good faith and implementing effective incentive policies could lead to the establishment of this condition in trade agreements. Ultimately, based on the experiences examined in trade agreements, it appears that Iranian policymakers should promote social responsibility and legally solidify soft law rules in investment laws, regulations, and treaties, while also making the implementation of this responsibility contingent upon the preservation of vital interests. This way, justifiable actions can lead to lower costs for the country regarding non-fulfillment of obligations to foreign investors. https://jplsq.ut.ac.ir/article_96728_7ec40556f19f042dd1d8aa18ceb2e3e0.pdf