As the global imperative to transition toward net-zero economies intensifies, competition for critical minerals has escalated, drawing attention to the largely untapped resources of the deep seabed. Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the deep seabed and its...

The United States (US) and European Union (EU) are at risk of entering a full-blown trade war. Three months ago, on "Liberation Day", US President Donald Trump imposed high import tariffs on almost all countries, including the EU. He then suspended them at short notice to negotiate with over 90...

As the search for reliable sources of critical raw materials turns to the ocean floor, international conflicts could result. Although very little is known about the possible impacts of deep-sea mining, Washington has launched an initiative that undermines the existing international regime for...

The asymmetric nature of international investment agreements whereby home and host states agree on each other’s obligation to protect their respective investors while the investors undertake few, if any, obligations has resulted in something of a legitimacy crisis. This Perspective proposes a...

The authors wish to thank the World Bank for financial support and accesses to information sources. For many helpful comments and suggestions, the authors are also grateful to Nicholas Treich and other conferees at the European Society for Benefit-Cost Analysis first annual meeting at the...