This publication is a comprehensive commentary on the history, analysis & interpretation of the Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs). These treaties are intended to protect U.S. investment in foreign countries. Although the initial target of the BITs was to develop countries in the third world, the opening of Eastern Europe has led to BIT negotiations in that region as well. United States Investment Treaties: Policy & Practice analyzes the policies underlying the BIT program; describes how the BIT program differs from prior U.S. practice with respect to foreign investment protection; explains the intent of specific provisions in the various model negotiations texts; assesses the extent to which the negotiations of the individual signed BITs resulted in a substantive modification of provisions of the model negotiating texts & thus a departure from the intent of the drafters. This book deals with a topic of increasing interest to businesses with operations in foreign countries & to attorneys advising these companies.