East Asian Legal Studies at Harvard Law School supports research and teaching on the law and legal history of the nations and peoples of East Asia, their interaction with the United States, and their impact on global order.
FEATURED EVENT
Friday, September 25, 2026 | 12:20-1:20 PM
WCC 3019, Harvard Law School
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) at 10: Legal Innovation in Multilateral Development Banks
When the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) was launched in 2016, many wondered how this new multilateral development bank (MDB) would be different. China was its leading proponent and continues as its largest shareholder; developing countries in Asia and around the world have substantial stakes, as does Europe.
Ten years later, AIIB’s founding lawyer takes a look at AIIB in the context of MDB genealogy. Her new research spans the early 20th century roots of the World Bank Charter, through the mid-century development of the principal regional MDBs. How does AIIB’s 21st century charter reflect its heritage, and what new features were added? Concluding reflections will touch on how these features developed in AIIB’s first decade.
The talk is based on the newly published second edition of Ms. Lichtenstein’s book, A Comparative Guide to the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (Oxford University Press, 2025).
This event is open to HUID holders only.
UPCOMING EVENTS
COURSES
During the 2026-2027 academic year, EALS faculty are teaching courses on China, comparative law, legal history, public international law, and international trade law, among others.
FEATURED PUBLICATION
A Comparative Guide to the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Second Edition (Oxford University Press, 2025)
Natalie Lichtenstein, JD ’78
VISITING SCHOLAR SPOTLIGHT
Hsiao-Wei (Grace) Kuan
Professor, National Taipei University, College of Law and Department of Sociology
Research Topic: Increasing Access to Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) as Policy Responses to the Low Fertility Crisis: A Comparison of the ART Laws and Policies in the United States and Taiwan
FEATURED NEWS
2026 Yong K. Kim Memorial Prize Recipients
August 2026
Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 Yong K. Kim Memorial Prize!
Xuejiao (Katniss) Li, S.J.D. Candidate (LL.M. 2023)
Kazuki Yoshii, LL.M. 2026
Bill Alford Receives the AALS Jerome A. Cohen Lifetime Achievement Award
February 2026
“In recognition of Professor Alford’s lifetime of achievement and dedication to the field of East Asian Law as a distinguished scholar, teacher, administrator, mentor, and advocate for the marginalized.”
Tribute to Professor Jerome A. Cohen (1930-2025)
September 2025
Professor of Law, Emeritus, New York University School of Law
Formerly Jeremiah Smith Professor of Law and Founding Director of East Asian Legal Studies, Harvard Law School