International investment law is usually oriented to protect investors while cultural heritage law focuses on the protection of unique items and activities of cultural value. These two subsystems coexist and increasingly intersect within the international legal system, mainly in the context of investment arbitration proceedings, where domestic cultural policies are balanced against the interests and rights of foreign investors. The interplay between these subsystems entails legal complexities and challenges and, as a result of the increasing number of cultural heritage disputes, demands new approaches in the fields of cultural governance, international relations and dispute settlement. These issues are thoroughly addressed by Valentina Vadi in her book Cultural Heritage in International Investment Law and Arbitration (Cambridge University Press 2014).