Introduction to Multinational Enterprises and the Law

• Credit value: 15 credits at Level 6

Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) are often described as playing an increasingly important role in the economy, politics and culture of societies around the world. Whether they are a force for good, or for evil, depends upon the perspective of the commentator.

This module considers the impact of MNEs on the law, and the impact of the law on MNEs. In order to deal with the differing views illustrated in the above quotations, the course will consider these issues from the perspectives of states, MNEs and third parties.

MNEs take many forms. They usually comprise companies or other entities - such as partnerships or individual - that are established in more than one country, and that are linked - for example by equity (share ownership), contract or informal agreement - in such a way that they may co-ordinate their operations in various ways. The form of MNE with which you are probably most familiar, is the multinational corporation (MNC). These are corporations which have their home in one country, but which also operate and live under the laws and customs of other countries. Nike, Shell, Body Shop International and Enron are good examples.

The objectives of the module are to provide you with a knowledge of, and an ability to critically assess, the utility and limitations of law as a tool for the:

• regulation of MNEs by states
• protection by MNEs of their interests
• holding of MNEs to account by members of society.