Global Business, Local Law: The Indian Legal System as a Communal Resource in Foreign Investment Relations

by Amanda Perry-Kessaris

Overview

This volume establishes a theoretical framework for exploring the role of host state legal systems (courts and bureaucracies) in mediating relations between foreign investment, civil society and government actors. It then demonstrates the application of that framework in the context of the south Indian city of Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore). Drawing on the 'law-and-community' approach of Roger Cotterrell, the volume identifies three mechanisms through which law might, in theory, ensure that social relations are productive: by expressing any mutual trust which may hold actors together, by ensuring that actors participate fully in social life and by coordinating the differences that hold actors apart. Empirical data reveals that each of these legal mechanisms is at work in Bengaluru. However, their operation is limited and skewed by the extent to which actors use, abuse and/or avoid them. Furthermore, these legal mechanisms are being eroded as a direct result of the World Bank's 'investment climate' discourse, which privileges the interests and values of foreign investors over those of other actors.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780754645252
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	09/02/2008
Series:	Globalization and Law Series
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	198
Product dimensions:	6.30(w) x 9.30(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Amanda Perry-Kessaris is Senior Lecturer in the School of Law, Birkbeck, University of London. She is a member of the Executive Committee of the Socio Legal Studies Association and of the editorial board of the journal International Community Law Review.

Table of Contents

Contents: Introduction; Law as a communal resource; Introducing Bengaluru; Expressions of trust; Gateways to participation; Spaces for coordination; Conclusion; Bibliography; Appendix; Index.