Professor Rafael Leal-Arcas, Professor of Law at Alfaisal University’s College of Law and International Relations, has published two books examining the relationship between international trade, climate change, energy policy, and sustainable global governance.
His first book, Rethinking the Global Trade Order: Law, Sustainability, and Governance in the Twenty-First Century, published by Edward Elgar Publishing in September 2026, examines how international trade rules and agreements can support climate action and the global energy transition. It explores the role of trade in facilitating access to clean energy technologies, advancing renewable energy, and supporting sustainable economic and social development.
His second book, Climate and Energy Law: Building Sustainable Global Governance for the 21st Century, published by Routledge in 2026, examines the changing landscape of global energy governance. It explores the role of citizens, cities, renewable energy, digital innovation, and decentralized energy systems in advancing sustainable energy transitions, alongside the legal and regulatory challenges involved.
Professor Leal-Arcas specializes in European and international economic law, international trade, climate change law, energy governance, and public policy. He holds advanced degrees from the European University Institute, Stanford Law School, Columbia Law School, and the London School of Economics. His previous academic appointments include Jean Monnet Chair, LLM Program Director, and Director of Research at Queen Mary University of London. He has also led major EU-funded research projects.
