The Law and Development Institute

Law and development studies concern the impact of international and domestic legal orders on economic development and social progress. Law and development issues have become a subject of considerable attention in the recent Doha Round negotiations of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in relation to international trade law. The Doha Round was suspended because of the large gaps between the developed and developing countries in their positions on key international trade law and development issues.

There are many unresolved issues and questions about the role of law, legal frameworks, and development (LFIs) in development. The concept of development and the law and development approach, which have traditionally been associated with developing countries, may also be extended to address economic problems in developed countries today, which resulted in significant political consequences, such as the unexpected outcome of the United States’ 2016 presidential election and Britain’s referendum to exit the European Union. Understanding the role that LFIs play for development is important for both developing and developed nations.

Since its establishment since 2009, the LDI has made substantial achievements: it has published major treatises in law and development, hosted annual international conferences, managed the only peer-reviewed journal in law and development, “Law and Development Review”, and undertaken international development projects at the request of national governments.

The LDI is an official partner of the Global Forum on Law, Justice and Development hosted by the World Bank.