My current research involves two projects looking at the effects of foreign direct investment by multinational corporations on regulation and policy in the developing world. The first explores the ways in which the dramatic proliferation of bilateral investment treaties (BITs) (usually between rich and poor countries) limits the range of economic policy options for developing countries to foster development. My research so far suggests that BITS are particularly limiting of the policy choices shown to be most effective in turning foreign direct investment into growth for the local developing economy. The second project looks at foreign direct investment in war zones and tries to map the regulatory regime the provides multinational investors with sufficient confidence to invest notwithstanding the lack in many of these war torn countries of the institutions and infrastructure that is commonly asserted as an absolute prerequisite to attracting foreign investment.

Since I'm a corporate lawyer and don't generally do litigation, the most interesting project I've worked on recently was helping the Service Workers International Union to strategize about organizing in respect to multinational corporations in multiple jurisdictions simultaneously to bring about global recognition agreements. It involved thinking about multiple strategies for each country and frequently involved corporate law or governance as part of the strategic tool kit.

My most recent publications include a book review of Antony Anghie's Imperialism, Sovereignty and the Making of International Law (Cambridge University Press, 2005) for the American Journal of International Law. I also had a book chapter, "Corporate Power and Global Order" in International Law and its Others, (Anne Orford, ed.) (Cambridge University Press, 2006).

I've got a tie for best book(s). The first was a series of four novels by Lawrence Durrell called collectively The Alexandria Quartet. It's amazing, innovative, sexy and totally gripping writing. The other was a book called The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell. It's too weird to describe but absolutely wonderful.

Well if you asked me five years ago, my favorite leisure activity would have been gardening. But lately, it's shopping, hands down.