Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) at 10: Legal Innovation in Multilateral Development Banks

East Asian Legal Studies Talk:

Natalie Lichtenstein, JD ‘78 
AIIB Inaugural General Counsel (retired)

DISCUSSANT:

Alastair Iain Johnston 
The Governor James Albert Noe and Linda Noe Laine Research Professor of China in World Affairs, Harvard University

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).

A light lunch will be provided. Please register here.