Public Law Studies Quarterly

Foundations and Challenges of Social Responsibility in International ‎Trade Agreements

Document Type : Article

Authors

Hamid Hamidian 1
Ali Rezaee 2

1 Assistant prof. Faculty of Law and Political Sciences, University of Mazandaran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Privte Law, Faculty of Law and Political Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22059/jplsq.2022.339056.3032
Abstract
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.

Keywords

Iranian legal system
the ‎Canada-Peru Free Trade ‎Agreement
the North ‎American Free Trade ‎Agreement
the Trans-‎Pacific partnership ‎agreement
sanctions
‎social responsibility
‎World Trade ‎Organization.‎
Subjects

  1. English

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Public Law Studies Quarterly
Volume 54, Issue 4
Winter 2025
Autumn 2024
Pages 2365-2393

  • Receive Date 01 March 2022
  • Revise Date 17 September 2022
  • Accept Date 24 October 2022

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