Energy Security, Energy Transition, and Foreign Investments: An Evolving Complex Relationship

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The article discusses in a relatively superficial way developments regarding the energy-investment law interaction without adding much to the existing literature, and without engaging with the recent literature on these issues. The security and climate angle to the investment-energy law debate is interesting, but requires much more depth on the application of investment treaties to energy investments, and in particular renewable energy investments, fossil phase outs, and the investment law-national security interaction.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Minor editing of English language required.

Author Response

Comments

The article discusses in a relatively superficial way developments regarding the energy-investment law interaction without adding much to the existing literature, and without engaging with the recent literature on these issues. The security and climate angle to the investment-energy law debate is interesting, but requires much more depth on the application of investment treaties to energy investments, and in particular renewable energy investments, fossil phase outs, and the investment law-national security interaction.

1) Are the arguments and discussion of findings coherent, balanced and compelling?

I modified the manuscript in several parts to make the different paragraphs better connected inter se and with the conclusions, also joining two paragraphs (the previous para. 2 and para. 3). Furthermore, I deepened the analysis of the various topics. In particular, I added specific proposals for the reform of treaties to clarify how IIAs could have a positive impact on energy transition (para. 4).

2) For empirical research, are the results clearly presented?

According to me, the parameter of evaluation “For empirical research, are the results clearly presented?” is not applicable in this case. This is not empirical research. However, some data are present in the text when this is required in order to underline certain aspects (for instance, in para. 5 in relation to the number of energy disputes).

3) Is the article adequately referenced?

I deepened my research and added several new references.

4) Are the conclusions thoroughly supported by the results presented in the article or referenced in secondary literature?

I think that, due to the inserted integrations and clarifications, now the manuscript is clearer, and conclusions are supported by the analysis developed in the different paragraphs.

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Could improve flow of paragraphs. Clarity and coherence. What is the message. One message per paragraph, one thought per sentence. As of now - even though well written - it is hard to read at times as there are so many thoughts/messages at once.

Could reflect more - not only describe "the situation". Move from reporting to meaningful scholarship.

Author Response

Comments

Could improve flow of paragraphs. Clarity and coherence. What is the message. One message per paragraph, one thought per sentence. As of now - even though well written - it is hard to read at times as there are so many thoughts/messages at once.

1) Are the arguments and discussion of findings coherent, balanced and compelling?

In order to improve the flow of the manuscript, its clarity and coherence, I modified it in several parts trying to make the different paragraphs better connected inter se and with the conclusions, also joining two paragraphs (the previous para. 2 and para. 3). Furthermore, I simplified the original text trying to be more direct when I express my positions. Finally, I deepened the analysis of the various topics. In particular, I added specific proposals for the reform of treaties to clarify how IIAs could have a positive impact on energy transition (para. 4).

2) Is the article adequately referenced? I deepened my research and added several new references.