In this era of commercialization and globalization, nations are witnessing a
significant expansion in their economic policies and markets, leading to a surge
in investments. This influx of investment opportunities has, however, brought
about numerous conflicts stemming from various international investment
agreements.
As with any human endeavor, disputes are bound to arise and to
address these disputes, an investment protection system has been established
within these agreements, aimed at resolving disputes among the investor states
and the host States where their operations are conducted.[1] To address the
needs of citizens abroad and ensure equitable treatment, due process, absence of
arbitrariness, and the availability of effective remedies, a system has been
devised. By granting these obligations, nations aim to project an
investor-friendly image. [2]
India's attractiveness to investors has been inconsistent over time. Since its
inception, investor-state arbitration has shown significant progress and has
been in active operation. However, like any other mechanism, the investor-state
disputes resolution mechanism also required improvements to be more effective.
The introduction of the revised comprehensive International Centre for
Settlement of Investment Disputes Rules, 2022 (ICSID) marks a significant
milestone as an upgrade from the 2006 rules, which were in need of reform in the
way of investment arbitration[3]. In light of these recent ICSID rules, this
paper highlights the enhancements made in the Investor-State arbitration
process, providing a more comprehensive and forward-looking approach to
resolving disputes and addressing the complexities surrounding it.
Historical Antecedents Along With Changing Trends in the FDI Regime:
The ever-changing trade policies of nations and the increasing globalization
worldwide have spurred investments beyond national borders, leading to a rise in
overall foreign direct investments (FDI) and cross-border investments over the
years.[4] With a growing influx of investments from around the globe, the
likelihood of disputes has also increased. As time passed, international
disputes began to involve not only individuals within territorial borders but
also those present in extraterritorial regions and most of the cases involving
ICSID rules or investor-state disputes went through the roof between 2013 and
2021, beginning all the way down from 1987.[5]
Consequently, resolving
investment cases through litigation and exercising jurisdiction in international
courts became a common approach. However, as a more preferable option for
commercial disputes, international arbitration emerged due to its acceptability
as a mode of dispute resolution, offering faster and less time-consuming
results.[6]
In contrast to a National Court, International Commercial Arbitration involves
resolving legal disputes with unbiased judges called "arbitrators." This
process, known as alternative dispute resolution (ADR), is different from
traditional justice methods and aims to maintain competitiveness in the business
sector. While such disputes often involve societal interest issues, which are
typically absent in the international commercial arbitration sphere, the
regulatory web for resolving such investment disputes has borrowed key concepts
from the international commercial arbitration regime.
Resolving investor-state
disputes may require reconciling theories of public international legal
principles along with principles of contract law.[7] The Investor-State Dispute
Settlement (ISDS) emerged in its modern state during the 1960s as an exception
to the normative rules relating to state-to-state regulation in public
international law and has since been included in various bilateral and
multinational agreements. Traditionally, intellectual property disputes were not
part of ISDS proceedings, but this began to change with the introduction of the
North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).[8]
- Changing Trends in the FDI Regime and Their Effect on Investment
Agreement Disputes:
With respect to the term investment, at first the treaty is given a priority
while interpreting the term investment and later on as enumerated in Article 25
of ICSID convention [9]is made. In Salini v. Morocco[10] the tribunal observed
that the necessary elements for the existence of an investment are:
- Endowment in terms of assets or money
- A specified term of contract of performance
- An element of threat
- A contribution to the financial growth of the host State
According to the Salini decision, investments wrapped under Article 25 of
the Convention shall be considered in light of an objective standard which later
termed as Salini test to determine the term investment in distinct matters.[11]
When an investor is based in a country (home nation) procure assets in another
country (host country) and intends to establish a control over those assets,
it is called as a foreign direct investment (FDI). [12]Recent trends shows that
emerging market economies have surpassed the USA as a significant source of FDI
for the rest of the world, reflecting their growing knowledge and involvement in
the global market.[13]
Foreign direct investment significantly impacts the host
nation as they consider a loss of political sovereignty as being represented by
an increase in reliance on multinational corporations. The host country retains
its sovereign rights to regulate FDI and determine how it contributes to
development.[14]
In addition to its numerous advantages, a few of them encompass
broader and more extensive benefits like facilitating growth in the host nations
through the establishment of investment avenues, enabling the sharing of
technological expertise, contributing to corporate tax revenue within the host
country, and ultimately contributing to the overall inflow of GDP into the
nation.[15]
However, establishing an open international financial system to promote economic
success for both home and host nation clashes with the host country's
limitations on FDI. Consequently, international law has evolved, leading to the
creation of international arbitration tribunals that limit the host country's
jurisdiction over FDI.[16]
Consolidation of Claims to Avoid Treaty Shopping:
Over the last decade, ICSID has experienced gradual growth in its case backlog.
This exponential increase in the figures of arbitration cases brought to the
doorstep of ICSID has led to procedural inefficiencies and inconsistent rulings
on similar factual and legal issues. [17]
As the caseload continues to rise, there is a higher probability of claims
involving the same legal or factual problems. This situation can give rise to
two significant challenges. Firstly, if different arbitral courts decide on
similar claims, conflicting decisions may occur. As inconsistent judgments have
gained more international attention recently, Susan Franck has described it as
the "dirty little secret that is becoming less secret by the day" of investment
treaty arbitration[18]. The second issue is that allowing similar claims to
proceed separately may lead to procedural delays.[19]
Due to the high number of bilateral treaties and even more International
Investment Agreements, several treaties are likely to be invoked in the
arbitration proceedings to refer to the disputes. Even if the same treaty covers
both the shareholders and the funding business, their ability to submit distinct
claims may result in multiple courts considering the same claim.[20]
In many areas of law, consolidation has been used as a solution to mitigate
these challenges. Consolidation of claims helps address the problem of
concurrent procedures, contributes to a consistent interpretation of the law,
and reduces the expenses of arbitral proceedings. Consolidation improves
coherence and consistency in final arbitral awards, which is particularly
crucial in investment arbitration, where previous awards and their decisions do
not bind judges and are not appealable[21]. It involves revamping the rights and
responsibilities in investment state dispute resolution.[22]
Until recently, the ICSID lacked a method for claim consolidation. Now, with the
introduction of the ICSID Arbitration Rules in 2022, the concept of
consolidating claims in an investor-state dispute has been introduced. Parties
relating to two or more pending ICSID arbitration proceedings may come together
to combine or manage such arbitrations.[23]
Additionally, consolidation of such
proceedings merges all elements of two or more proceedings, resulting in a
special award.[24] There is a requirement that applications for consolidation
and arbitration have to be filed in compliance or registered in compliance with
the ICSID Convention and must involve the contracting state as well if it
pertain to the same contracting state then it has to be combined under the ICSID
Arb Rules.[25]
The Implications of Coherent Bilateral Treaties to Avoid Conundrum
Between Parties:
Bilateral investment treaties are the contracts entered into among two countries
to foster, promote, and securitize investments both the territories. These
treaties are considered a crucial tool for internationally safeguarding foreign
investments. They address four key aspects: entry, treatment, expropriation of
foreign investments, and conflict resolution[26].
The rise in investor-state conflicts and their resolution has impacted the
development of bilateral investment treaties. Recently, the challenges in
interpreting treaty clauses have increased significantly, necessitating
clarification to mitigate the risk of future disputes[27]. The coming of free
trade agreements and ancillary laws addressing other forms of economic
alignments have also had an impact on this matter.
As a consequence of the investment agreements, the scope of trade treaties has
expanded. Bilateral investment treaties have been developed to address concerns
such as services, intellectual property rights, and industrial strategy. As the
broader implications related to human rights, environment, and health security
have started to emerge, bilateral trade accords have been evolved to align with
the changing global political and economic conditions. [28]
Investment treaties have to undergo various changes to achieve higher levels of
coherence, these changes include incorporating specific non-investment
legislations, defining the extent of investment related provisions, and
revamping the conflict resolution process. Till these changes are implemented,
coherence between bilateral investment treaties and other areas of international
law will remain frail. Such infirmness undermines the very motive of
international law, which seeks to establish control of law and security for
all.[29]
Current Shortcomings in Investor-State Arbitration:
- Inconsistency in awards:
According to Article 34(2) of the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules[30], "All awards
shall be furnished in writing and shall be enforceable against the Parties. All
awards must be carried out immediately by the parties. Despite the fact that
there are many arbitration rules, none of them define what a "arbitral award"
is. The UNCITRAL Model Law Working Group defined it as follows:
Award indicates
a final award that resolves all concerns brought before the tribunal, as well as
an additional decision of the arbitral tribunal that concretely resolves any
substantive dispute, a concern regarding the arbitral tribunal's competency, or
any other procedural question, but only if the tribunal names its decision as an
award.[31]
Consistency fosters predictability and when a legal framework yields
unequivocal solutions, the judicial system is deemed consistent, thus elevating
its credibility and legitimacy. Undoubtedly, the significance of consistency and
prejudiced viewpoints in the context of arbitral decision-making cannot be
overstated.
Irregular interpretations have sown uncertainty regarding the
interpretation of key Convention obligations and their future application. Such
inconsistencies have sparked apprehensions regarding the integrity and
equitableness of arbitration, a method employed to settle disputes encompassing
both public and private issues[32].
Enunciating the process of arbitral decision
taking can serve as an essential response to these denunciations, showcasing the
efficacy of arbitration as a viable avenue for resolving matters within domestic
courts.
Many facets of human society, including the resolution of conflicts, depend on
rational choices. It is important to address concerns regarding the
inconsistency in rulings issued by tribunals in different cases where comparable
situations and violations led to divergent judgments due to varying assessment
methodologies employed by the courts, thus introducing a biased perspective.
To illustrate, two distinct arbitral tribunals dealing with ad hoc arbitration
seated in Stockholm handled the cases of CME v Czech Republic [33]involving
intellectual property rights (IPR) and Lauder v. the Czech Republic[34], both
governed by the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules 1976. Despite similar facts, these
cases yielded contrasting outcomes, raising questions about the Czech Republic's
liability under the corresponding Bilateral Investment Treaties.
Implicit biases to some extent contributed to the disparities in outcomes. It is
conceivable that an arbitrator might empathize with one party's overarching
argument while rejecting the rationale behind minor issues, leading to the
dismissal of the claim in its entirety. In these scenarios, it may turn
advantageous for the party to present its averments broadly, allowing the
decision-maker body to rule on a limited degree of interpretation.[35]
The existence of multiple arbitration courts dealing with similar circumstances
increases the potential for conflicting arbitration awards. However, the shared
objective should be there to establish uniformity in the interpretation of
pertinent principles of investment law, necessitating the creation and
implementation of measures to prevent inconsistency. In the case of Saipem v The
People's Republic of Bangladesh[36], the arbitral tribunal emphasized the duty
of arbitral courts to satisfy "the legitimate expectations of the society of
nations and investors towards the presence of the rule of law."
In contrast, a
dissenting viewpoint in the Burlington Resources v Ecuador [37]case argued that
arbitrators should decide every case on its individual merits, regardless of
jurisprudential trends.[38]Nonetheless, the duty of an arbitrator is to assess a
matter on its merits, aiming for justice rather than striving for a prescribed
sequence of awards.
Arbitrators possess substantial discretion in interpreting and incorporating the
suitable law to the facts of a given matter. They often incorporate
transnational legal principles due to factors like limited oversight, global
operations, and diverse legal backgrounds.[39]
A consistent albeit predictable body of case law can benefit both states and
businesses. It can reduce conflicts brought against states by specifying
permissible and prohibited actions under investment treaties. Consistent
decisions can also eliminate numerous points of contention, leading to more
efficient and cost-effective arbitration proceedings. Adhering to the Rule of
Law principles of responsible and consistent decision-making, along with the
increased persuasive authority of decisions, would undoubtedly enhance the
arbitration system and benefit all stakeholders involved.[40]
- Limiting the Use of Investor-State Arbitration to the Involved Party-
The question of whether excessive investment access should be curbed has two
main aspects. Firstly, the ability to use a neutral international system for
resolving investor-state disputes through ISDS depends on states' ongoing
willingness to engage in this process, which is more of a political matter than
a legal one. Secondly, access to ISDS is influenced by how tribunals interpret
the language in investment treaties. So far, efforts to restrict investor access
have been gradual and limited to specific cases[41]. This approach aims to
narrow the circumstances in which investors can utilize ISDS, which can be
achieved by:
- limiting the types of issues that can be raised in ISDS claims;
- narrowing the scope of investors eligible for treaty benefits; and
- requiring investors to exhaust local legal remedies before resorting to
international arbitration.
A more extreme strategy would be to completely abandon ISDS and return to
State-to-State arbitration procedures, as some recent treaties have done.
Certain countries have implemented policies that exclude certain types of claims
from being considered in arbitration. For instance Belgium has excluded certain
matters from arbitration, particularly those involving the dissolution of
long-term exclusive distributorship contracts where Belgian law is not the
applicable law.[42]
This could lead to ISDS being used as a last resort, only if
investors have exhausted domestic options or can prove that domestic courts are
ineffective or biased. However, it's important to note that the requirement to
exhaust local remedies is a fundamental condition for access to international
judicial forums in general, this requirement is outlined in the ICSID
convention, which establish the jurisdiction and prerequisites for international
arbitration.[43]
Nevertheless, directly limiting parties' access to ISDS through
various means undermines the original purpose of ISDS. Such limitations could
diminish the effectiveness of ISDS, which was established to depoliticize
investment disputes and offer investors a fair review by an independent,
unbiased, and qualified tribunal.
- Concerns Over Exorbitant Fees and Choosing the Arbitrator:
Disputes in the current settlement system are resolved through an ISDS tribunal
set up specifically for that dispute. However, the parties involved (the
claimant-investor and the respondent-State) have a significant say in the
tribunal's composition. The rules governing the investor-state arbitration
process allow the disputing parties to agree on method of selecting arbitrators
and the number of arbitrators.
This approach lets parties pick arbitrators they
believe are best suited to handle their conflicts, which is seen as making
arbitration flexible and appealing[44]. Article 57 of the ICSID Rules permits
the party disputing the appointment of an arbitrator to challenge the same on
the grounds of manifest lack of qualities.[45]
There are different ways to appoint arbitrators. One option is a hybrid
selection procedure where each party in the ISDS dispute picks a judge, and a
neutral authority selects the chairperson. Another option is to assign an
authority to nominate all members of the tribunal (two co-arbitrators and the
chairman). Other possibilities include the appointing authority collaborating
with the disputing parties to choose ISDS panel members, with the final decision
resting with the appointing authority.[46]
Although all tribunal members must be unbiased and independent, concerns have
arisen about potential bias or unintentional favoritism towards the appointing
party. This has raised worries about ISDS arbitrators.[47] Specific concerns
have emerged due to each party's perceived inclination to choose individuals
sympathetic to their side. The arbitrators' desire to be reappointed for future
cases and their frequent role-switching (acting as judges in some cases and
lawyers in others) amplify these concerns.
- Cost and Time-Intensity of Arbitrations
Arbitration fees have become a more widespread issue in investor-state
arbitration, mainly because there is no specific provisions in the relevant
arbitration rules for this. It means arbitrators have significant discretion in
determining and dividing costs among the involved parties. While most
arbitration rules outline how institutional, administrative, and panel fees are
established, the allocation of costs between parties is left to the discretion
of arbitrators and the parties themselves[48].
Chapter VI of the ICSID Convention and the Administrative and Financial
Regulations oversee the expenses of an ICSID case. In investor-state disputes,
there are two types of costs: party costs, which include legal counsel fees,
witness and expert expenses, travel costs, transcripts, and related expenses;
and arbitration or tribunal costs, which encompass tribunal fees, administrative
costs for managing arbitral procedures, and other expenditures. In ICSID
arbitration, a panel determines the costs and expenses of its members within the
limits set by the Administrative Council, in consultation with the
Secretary-General.[49]
Investors are worried about the high expenses, particularly those with limited
financial capabilities.[50] The average costs per side in an investor-state
dispute situates for respondent state entities are around US$4.7 million,
according to cost trends, average expenses for investors are more than US$6.4
million.[51]. This places a significant burden on the resources of any nation,
especially those with limited means. Even if a government prevails, courts have
not typically ordered the claimant investor to cover the respondent's costs.
Aside from cost considerations, recent cases have taken a year and a half longer
to conclude than cases decided before 2017. While there is a slight increase in
the median duration, ICSID procedures generally last around four years and eight
months, slightly longer than UNCITRAL proceedings. However, the median duration
suggests that the variation in length is not significant.[52] Given the
financial strain on some nations and the time investment required to obtain an
arbitral award, the current challenges in streamlining the investor-state
dispute mechanism are the high costs and time involved.
Paradigm Shift to Contractor Based Investor-State Disputes via ISDS
International investment treaties encompass various provisions for resolving
disputes between investors and states, which range from limited jurisdiction
over specific compensation matters to extensive options for arbitrating any
case, whether rooted in contracts or treaties. These dispute resolution clauses
in international investment treaties (IIAs) have become a crucial aspect of the
security guaranteed by such treaties, particularly since the inception of treaty
arbitration.
Initially, bilateral investment treaties (BITs) primarily emphasized the
substantive standards of treatment, encompassing principles like fair and
equitable treatment, comprehensive security and protection, non-discrimination
(national and most favored nation treatment), and safeguards against
uncompensated expropriation. However, the prominence of investment arbitration
in the past two decades has underscored the importance of having an effective
mechanism in place.[53]
Yet, the efficacy of the direct or hybrid arbitration system, known as
investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS), which facilitates resolution between
foreign investors and host countries, has been subject to increased scrutiny.
[54]Critics have raised concerns that ISDS may unduly favor investors and
curtail domestic regulatory authority. Consequently, some nations have initiated
the process of exiting the system by expressing disapproval of the ICSID
Convention.
The determination of the types of conflicts to be resolved through ISDS should
ultimately align with the objectives of the Contracting Parties. BITs and IIAs
are evolving to adopt a more "reciprocal" status due to the changing landscape
of global investment flows, both in terms of structure and substance. The
likelihood that participants in IIAs could find themselves on either side of
investment arbitration—either as a host state defendant or an investor's home
state no longer directly involved—has increased.[55]
Following their withdrawal from the ICSID Convention, certain states have
referred to committing to a contract-based agreement that stipulates the terms
governing investor-state arbitration proceedings.
- Changes in Investor-State Arbitration Through ICSID Rules 2022 to
Make Dispute Resolution More Efficient
Amendments brought in the arena of ICSID Arbitration rules.
The ICSID arbitration amended rules was a much needed move and 2022 amendments
reflected some of the pivotal changes in the direction of streamlining the
overall process of dispute resolution in international investment
arbitration. Some of the changes or amendments include.
- Third-Party Funding Agreements and Disclosure Requirements
The eagerly anticipated revisions to the ICSID Rules were implemented in 2022,
heralding a new era of changes in the landscape of international arbitration. A
key objective underlying these updated ICSID Rules is to enhance transparency
across various aspects of ICSID procedures, a trend that aligns with the
prevailing direction observed in arbitration rules worldwide.
Of noteworthy significance is the concept of third-party funding, a form of
non-recourse financing wherein an external entity—typically a specialized
business with no direct involvement in the dispute—undertakes the financial
burden of an arbitration party. The new rule is requiring a disclosure
compliance in the form of a written notice to be submitted to the
secretary-general of a non-party from which the party is acquiring funds.[56]
While initially appearing as a resource primarily tailored for financially
disadvantaged parties who might otherwise struggle to afford arbitration costs,
third-party funding has also emerged as a viable tool for financially robust
entities aiming to optimize cash-flow management through accessible
financing[57].
Furthermore, the introduction of third-party funding is comprehensively
addressed in the newly revised ICSID Arbitration Rules under Rule 14(1).[58] The
latest Rule 14(4) of the 2022 ICSID Rules stipulates that "The Tribunal may
order disclosure of additional information regarding the funding agreement and
the non-party providing funding." This provision facilitates enhanced
transparency within third-party funding arrangements.
Under these fresh regulations, parties involved in ICSID Arbitration are now
obligated to submit a written notice revealing the identity and contact details
of any external entity from which they have received funds to support or defend
their proceedings, whether directly, indirectly, through a donation, grant, or
in exchange for outcome-contingent compensation (referred to as "third-party
funding"). Should the funding source be a legal entity, the notice must extend
to disclosing the individuals and entities that possess and oversee said legal
entity.[59]
This newly imposed obligation extends to requiring the party benefiting from
third-party funding to divulge the identity of its co-contracting party under
the financing arrangement, along with the ultimate beneficial owners of said
contracting entity.[60]
Furthermore, as part of the revised rule framework, an ICSID tribunal is
empowered to seek additional details regarding the substance of any funding
arrangement once the funding notification has been submitted, a provision that
contributes to streamlining the arbitration process and rendering it more
efficient.
- Publication of final awards and the pronouncements on annulments
The new amendments enlarged the precedential basis by paving the way for the
publication of final awards and also the pronouncements on the annulments of the
awards. Rule 62 of the revised ICSID arbitration rules talks about the provision
for the publication of awards and the rulings on the annulments as well within
the period 60 days with the deemed consent of the parties if no objection is
received of such publication. [61] Such a provision in the revised rules
strengthens the precedential database by making the rulings on the awards set in
stone for the posterity. The ICSID rules of 2006 marks a juxtaposition from 2022
rules as previously there was only the provision of publication the legal
reasoning of an award by the centre.[62]
Impleadment of the non-party in the proceedings:
The revised rules in Rule 67 talks about the impleadment of the non-disputing
parties that any person who is not a disputing party may file a written
submission during the proceedings allowing them the opportunity to be heard as
an interested party. Such a party on the discretion of the tribunal may be
allowed to file a written submission on the ground that if the party has a
significant interest or any sort of affiliation in the matter. The tribunal also
has the powers to allow such party to file a submission within 30 days or to
deny it.[63] In addition to this the tribunal has also been conferred the powers
by the revised rules to allow the parties to observe the hearings[64] of the
tribunal unless any party to the subject matter of the dispute objects to it by
virtue of Rule 66[65] of the amended rules.
Introduction of provisional Kum interim measures:
The revised rules introduced the provisions of interim measures in the
arbitration space to safeguard the interests of the parties by giving them the
opportunity to approach the tribunal in case where there's an apprehension of
imminent harm or prejudice likely to be caused during the arbitral process.[66]
The tribunal is even empowered to recommend or take such measures on its own
when it deems it necessary to safeguard the interests of parties.[67] In
addition to that there's a provision in the revised rules which have given the
liberty to the parties raising a dispute to bifurcate their claims in the
initial stage.[68]
- Guidelines on Cost Allocation and More Flexibility to Order Security for
Costs-
Cost awards carry significant importance within ISDS, regardless of whether the
award requires the defendant state to pay compensation. The amended rules casts
an obligation on the parties to the proceedings to conduct in good faith and in
an expedient manner to foster the timely passing of award.[69] Prior to 2022,
the ICSID Rules lacked a predefined standard for cost allocation, granting the
tribunal the discretion to decide how expenses should be divided. Additionally,
some regulations indicated that the tribunal could consider party conduct when
determining cost distribution[70]. However, the 2022 amendments to the ICSID
Arbitration Rules and other associated regulations have addressed these
complexities.
The introduction of the new ICSID rules, particularly Rule 50 and 52, has
resolved the cost-related challenges. Rule 50 in the 2022 Rules presents a clear
and comprehensive outline of what constitutes "costs." This encompasses various
elements such as legal expenses of the parties, expenses of the tribunal and
tribunal-appointed experts, and administrative and direct costs of ICSID. Rule
52(4) mandates that the tribunal's cost should be explicitly detailed in the
award, along with explanations. Additionally, Rule 52(3) empowers tribunals to
issue interim decisions regarding expenses, either based on party requests or
their own initiative.
In a different context, the 2022 Rules establish limitations on the tribunal's
jurisdiction. When the tribunal determines that a claim lacks legal substance
according to Rule 41(3), the prevailing party is entitled to its "reasonable
costs," unless the tribunal finds "special circumstances" warrant a different
distribution of costs as per Rule 52(2). Rule 52(1) of the 2022 Rules confines
the discretion of ICSID judges in awarding costs.[71] Furthermore, Rule 53
introduces a dedicated provision on security for costs, which grants the
authority to tribunals to grant security in relation to claims and
counterclaims. This provision, absent in the 2006 rules, broadens the scope of
costs under the new regulations.
- Mediation & Introduction of New Expedited Arbitration Procedures
The Arbitration Rules establish a more efficient process that parties can choose
to use. Chapter XII of the revised ICSID Arbitration Rules introduces the idea
of Expedited Arbitration, allowing parties to speed up the process by mutual
agreement. This means that the first session occurs within 30 days of forming
the panel. Parties can also decide to opt out of the expedited process using
Rules 75-86 in the new ICSID Rules.
The expedited process has specific
requirements, like the claimant's submission within 60 days of the initial panel
session, as per Rule 81. If the accelerated process isn't used, the 2022
Arbitration Rules state that an award should be given as soon as possible but
within 240 days after the last filing, under Rule 58.[72] Moreover, the consent
of the parties is quintessential to commence the expediated arbitration
proceedings as per the revised rules. [73]
Expedited arbitration isn't automatic; it needs both parties' consent, and they
can withdraw together. If one party requests it, a tribunal can decide to stop
the expedited process [Rule 86(2)]. While most IIAs also allow arbitration for
dispute resolution (like ICSID, ICSID Additional Facility, or other
institutional or ad hoc arbitration), there have been recent proposals for an
international investment court (or a multilateral investment court system).[74]
However, these ideas haven't been included in the 2022 rules.
Rule 22 of ICSID Arbitration sets a faster timeline for parties to challenge,
with a specific 21-day limit for disqualification petitions, replacing the
previous quick requirement. ICSID introduced expedited arbitration to stay
competitive in global arbitration services by offering a quicker option.
Besides expedited arbitration, ICSID introduced new Mediation Rules in 2022 for
resolving investment treaty disputes, adding alternative methods to ISDS. The
main steps in investor-State mediation are: (i) requesting mediation; (ii)
appointing a mediator; (iii) initial statements; (iv) first mediation session
and protocol; and (v) concluding mediation.[75]
According to Rule 2(1) of the Mediation Rules, two conditions must be met to
pursue mediation: the dispute involves a state or regional economic integration
organization, and the parties must agree in writing to mediate under the
Rules.[76] The use of mediation in investment disputes largely depends on
whether the underlying investment treaty allows it, but parties can still agree
to ad hoc mediation. Combining mediation with arbitration can be beneficial,
even though it may add complexity and cost, as both processes complement each
other, benefiting parties who agree to use ISDS for dispute resolution.
- The Predictable Future:
- AI's Role in the Future Investment Arbitration
The fundamental concept behind artificial intelligence (AI) is that a computer
program can replicate all aspects of learning and intelligence by closely
observing them. Throughout history, AI has played a role in facilitating legal
processes, safeguarding human rights, and upholding societal values. For
instance, AI has simplified and expedited legal tasks such as conflict
resolution.
In the present era, the landscape of dispute resolution is undergoing a notable
transformation, marked by the emergence and increasing integration of AI
technologies. The potential for AI to revolutionize arbitration is a plausible
projection for the future. At present, AI is instrumental in processing
extensive volumes of data pertinent to arbitration cases, extracting relevant
information, and streamlining the analysis of complex legal matters. [77]This
efficiency significantly saves time and resources during case evaluation.
Additionally, AI can streamline the arbitrator selection process, considering
arbitrators' expertise in various domains of disputes.[78]
AI tools operating at different levels have proven valuable in the arbitration
domain. For instance, Arbitrator Intelligence utilizes award data to generate AI
Reports, and Arbitrator Intelligence Surveys accurately assess arbitrators'
tendencies based on past decisions in diverse stages of arbitration. This, along
with tracking arbitrators' relevant expertise, serves as a reliable resource for
selecting arbitrators. Unlike human arbitrators, AI is less susceptible to
cognitive biases and emotional influences, minimizing errors in
decision-making.[79] The possibility of making mistakes in evaluating,
reviewing, interpreting, and making decisions is decreased because the AI works
solely on the information rather than based on human feelings.[80]
However, before incorporating AI into dispute resolution processes, a
comprehensive assessment should be conducted to ensure a sufficient level of
familiarity and knowledge across the board. Interaction challenges between
humans and AI should also be addressed to facilitate seamless utilization. AI is
described as a "fourth party" facilitator in the structure of online dispute
resolution, implying a more complex role than a mere tool.[81] It is crucial to
strike a balance when utilizing AI tools in decision-making, as undue
interference can pose challenges to the arbitration process. While AI can aid in
researching and summarizing legal matters, processing submissions, and
cross-verifying judgments, it should be carefully controlled to ensure due
process and avoid violations of public policy and procedural requirements.[82]
- Blockchain Technology in the Investor-State Arbitration
Blockchain technology has transitioned from a speculative concept to a tangible
presence, impacting modern culture and the legal domain. The utilization of
smart contracts and blockchains can revolutionize how we manage documents and
resolve disputes. Consequently, it is essential to integrate, apply, and
correlate these concepts with arbitration to establish a more streamlined,
cost-effective, and automated framework.
The adoption of blockchain in arbitration is rooted in the belief that this
technology can enhance the efficiency, security, and scalability of data
handling for arbitral proceedings, primarily through the utilization of smart
contracts. The UNCITRAL Convention on Electronic Communications in International
Contracts (2007 Convention), specifically in Articles 6 and 18, validates the
legitimacy of on-chain arbitration by permitting electronic data records and
transfers in arbitration, lending legal validation to on-chain arbitration
processes.[83]
Employing blockchain technology, various stages of arbitration, such as
arbitrator appointments, party pleadings, including claims and evidence
recording, and award preparation, can be facilitated.[84] While blockchain
ensures robust security, data privacy becomes a significant consideration,
particularly when an external third-party acts as an oracle in conflict
resolution, potentially deviating from General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
guidelines, including the "right to be forgotten" requirement.[85]
Although blockchain technology has lost some of its novelty over the years, its
practical implementation has been gradual due in part to uncertainties about
network operations. While many aspects of blockchain processes can be automated,
participants are cautious about the risks linked to incomplete contractual
agreements.[86] While there is room for on-chain applications in the market,
only a limited number of effective disagreement protocols exist.[87]
The future trajectory of blockchain-based arbitration hinges on the
comprehension and readiness of arbitration organizations and experts to harness
blockchain's potential. Their willingness to provide arbitration and alternative
dispute resolution (ADR) services online and beyond will shape the future
landscape of blockchain arbitration.[88]
- Mediation as an Alternative:
International commercial arbitration stands as an efficient selection for
resolving cross-border business disputes. Nonetheless, this framework faces
scrutiny, prompting discussions about necessary modifications to address
concerns like sluggishness, escalating costs, and the increasingly litigious
nature of the proceedings. In order to enhance effectiveness in the global realm
of commercial dispute resolution, it becomes crucial to introduce alternative
mechanisms, such as mediation and conciliation, or hybrid approaches like
Mediation-Arbitration for dispute resolution.
Mediation, as a dispute resolution method, exhibits various variations that can
significantly vary based on fields of activity, practices, cultures, and
individual practitioners' roles. Despite these disparities, mediation offers a
dispute resolution avenue that:
- Involves a neutral mediator aiding parties in gaining clearer insights
into their case's strengths and weaknesses;
- facilitates moving away from adversarial stances and entrenched
positions;
- empowers parties to collaboratively arrive at mutually acceptable
solutions through consensus-based decision-making;
- nurtures ongoing relationships; and
- generates solutions that may not have been attainable without mediation.
Like arbitration, mediation ensures confidentiality during dispute
settlement.[89]
Furthermore, the emergence of the hybrid approach, known as Med-arb, combines
the strengths of both Mediation and Arbitration. This fusion presents a potent
duo for achieving effective amicable settlements. If an arb-med-arb strategy can
seamlessly integrate the advantageous aspects of Mediation into international
business arbitration without compromising the integrity of the arbitration
framework, its adoption should be considered. By allowing parties to address
their differences early in the arbitration process, embracing med-arb has the
potential to address concerns that international commercial arbitration has
become sluggish, costly, and closely resembling lawsuits.[90]
Conclusion
The investor-state dispute resolution system has made significant progress,
particularly with the introduction of the new 2022 rules. These rules aim to
enhance efficiency and participant-friendliness, enabling more effective
exercise of rights and ensuring transparent management of investment disputes.
The recent reforms have also contributed to solidifying the international
investment dispute landscape by formalizing provisions that were previously
absent from legal statutes.
Considering the trajectory of ISDS, it is apparent that the future strives for a
more efficient approach in terms of cost and time. This trend points towards
Mediation as the future of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) worldwide.
Mediation's adaptable nature and overall effectiveness have positioned it as a
pivotal method in dispute resolution. The updated rules indicate a shift towards
more effective techniques, including Mediation and Conciliation, which are
expected to take precedence over arbitration due to their versatility. This
evolution is driven by their ability to offer flexible solutions compared to the
comparatively time-consuming and costly alternative of arbitration.
End-Notes:
- Investor State Dispute Settlement and Impact on Investment Rulemaking, UNCTAD, Page 40 (2007), https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/iteiia20073_en.pdf
- Chapter 6 - Minimum Standards of Treatment, Kluwer Arbitration, 233-298, https://icsid.worldbank.org/sites/default/files/parties_publications/C3765/Claimants%27%20Amended%20Memorial/Legal%20Authorities/CL-0013.PDF
- Recent Developments in Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS), UNCTAD, (May 29, 2013), at 12-13, https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/webdiaepcb2013d3_en.pdf
- Foreign Direct Investment for Development Maximising Benefits, Minimising Costs, OCED, at 9-10, https://www.oecd.org/investment/investmentfordevelopment/1959815.pdf
- Primer on International Investment Treaties and Investor-State Dispute Settlement, Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment, https://ccsi.columbia.edu/content/primer-international-investment-treaties-and-investor-state-dispute-settlement
- Investor–State Disputes: Prevention and Alternatives to Arbitration, UNCTAD Series on International Investment Policies for Development 12-18 (2010), https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/diaeia200911_en.pdf
- Yannaca-Small, K, Improving the System of Investor-State Dispute Settlement, OECD Working Papers on International Investment, 2006/01, OECD Publishing, http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/631230863687
- Jason Muth, The Emerging Role of Investor State Dispute Settlement Arbitration in Resolving Patent Disputes Under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, 3 8,9 12-18 (2015), https://www.wisbar.org/aboutus/forlawstudents/Documents/3%20-%20Rev%20-Emerging%20Role%20of%20Investor-State%20Dispute%20%20-%20Jason%20Muth.pdf
- ICSID § 25 (International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes 1966)
- Salini Costruttori S.p.A. and Italstrade S.p.A v. Kingdom of Morocco, ICSID Case No. ARB/00/4 (ICSID 2020)
- 11. Ashita Alag Aayush Marwah, Can an Arbitration Award be Considered an Investment for the Purpose of Investment Treaty Arbitration?, RGNUL Student Research Review, Pg 89-91
- 12. Trade and Foreign Direct Investment, WTO 12-18 (1996). URL: https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/pres96_e/pr057_e.htm
- 13. Stephen E Blythe, The Advantages of Investor-State Arbitration as a Dispute Resolution Mechanism in Bilateral Investment Treaties, 472 SMU Scholar, International Lawyer 273-290. (2013). URL: https://scholar.smu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1583&context=til
- Foreign Direct Investment for Development MAXIMISING BENEFITS, MINIMISING COSTS, OCED 6-7 URL: https://www.oecd.org/investment/investmentfordevelopment/1959815.pdf
- Prakash Loungani & Assaf Razin, How Beneficial Is Foreign Direct Investment for Developing Countries?, 382 IMF (2001). URL: https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/fandd/2001/06/loungani.htm
- Supra Note 4, Pg 6
- Meg Kinnear Secretary-General, Annual Report, 2022 ISCID, OCED, at 5. 2022 - URL: https://icsid.worldbank.org/sites/default/files/publications/ICSID_AR.EN.pdf
- 18. Alice Marie King, The Consolidation of Claims in ICSID Arbitration, International Arbitration (Laws 521), Victoria University of Wellington, 14, (2008). - URL: https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/153552976.pdf
- Supra Note 14
- Gaukrodger, D. (2014), "Investment Treaties and Shareholder Claims: Analysis of Treaty Practice", OECD Working Papers on International Investment, 2014/03, Pg 7, OECD Publishing. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/5jxvk6shpvs4-en
- 21. Alice Marie King, Consistency, Efficiency and Transparency in Investment Treaty Arbitration, IBA Arbitration Subcommittee on Investment Treaty Arbitration, UNCITRAL, at Pg No.20, (2018). - URL: https://uncitral.un.org/sites/uncitral.un.org/files/investment_treaty_report_2018_full.pdf
- 22. UNCTAD, Investor State Dispute Settlement, (2014). URL: https://unctad.org/system/files/official- document/diaeia2013d2_en.pdf
- 23. Arbitration Rule 46 of the ICSID Arbitration Rules, 2022.
- 24. Arbitration Rule 46 (2) of the ICSID Arbitration Rules, 2022.
- 25. Consolidation and Coordination- ICSID Convention Arbitration (2022 Rules) (ISID 2022). URL: https://icsid.worldbank.org/procedures/arbitration/convention/consolidation-coordination/2022
- 26. Houde, M. and K. Yannaca-Small (2004), "Relationships between International Investment Agreements", OECD Working Papers on International Investment, 2004/01, Pg 19 OECD Publishing. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/171461325566
- 27. Supra note 17
- 28. Bertram Boie, The Protection of Intellectual Property Rights Through Bilateral Investment Treaties: Is There a TRIPS-plus Dimension?, NCCR Trade Regulation at 50 (2010). URL: https://www.wti.org/media/filer_public/c5/47/c5475d4a-f97c-4a8b-a12a-4ae491c6abb3/the_protection_of_iprs_through_bits.pdf
- 29. Rawan Mustafa Al-Louzi, A Coherence Perspective of Bilateral Investment Treaties, The University of Manchester for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in the Faculty of Humanities Pg 26 (2012). URL: https://pure.manchester.ac.uk/ws/portalfiles/portal/54532399/FULL_TEXT.PDF
- 30. UNICITRAL Arbitration Rules (as revised in 2010) § 34 (UNCITRAL 2010).
- 31. Supra note 11, Pg 101
- 32. Supra note 18, Pg. 152
- 33. CME v. Czech Republic, (2006) 9 ICSID Rep 264 (Stockholm International Arbitration) 2006
- 34. Ronald S. Lauder v. Czech Republic, IIC 205 (2001) (London International Arbitration) 2001.
- 35. Stavros Brekoulakis et al., Arbitral Decision-Making: An Issue of Consistency and a Response to Bias, Kluwer Arbitration Blog, 26 (2018). URL: https://arbitrationblog.kluwerarbitration.com/2018/06/12/arbitral-decision-making-issue-consistency-response-bias/
- 36. Saipem S.p.A v. The People's Republic of Bangladesh, ICSID Case No. ARB/05/7 (ICSID International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes, 2005).
- 37. Burlington Resources v. Republic of Ecuador, (ICSID Case No. ARB/08/5) (ICSID International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes 2017).
- 38. Supra note 17
- 39. Gabrielle Kaufmann-Kohler, Arbitral Precedent: Dream, Necessity or Excuse?, Kluwer Arbitration Blog, Pg 364 (2006). URL: https://lk-k.com/wp-content/uploads/Arbitral-Precedent-Dream-Necessity-or-Excuse.pdf
- Julia Hildebrandt, Persuasive Authority, Predictability and Consistency in Arbitral Decision Making, Kluwer Arbitration Blog 4 (2017). URL: https://deicl.univie.ac.at/fileadmin/user_upload/i_deicl/VR/VR_Personal/Reinisch/Internetpublikationen/hildebrandt.pdf
- R. Polanco Lazo, Is There a Life for Latin American Countries After Denouncing the ICSID Convention?, Transnational Dispute Management 4 (2014). URL: https://www.transnational-dispute-management.com/article.asp?key=2037
- "Policy department C citizens' rights and constitutional affairs, Legal Instruments and Practice of Arbitration in the EU 6-7 (2014). URL: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/STUD/2015/509988/IPOL_STU(2015)509988(ANN01)_EN.pdf
- Articles 25 and 26 of the ICSID convention
- Gabrielle Kaufmann-Kohler & Michele Potestà, The Composition of a Multilateral Investment Court and of an Appeal Mechanism for Investment Awards, CIDS Supplemental report 11-12 (2014). URL: https://uncitral.un.org/sites/uncitral.un.org/files/media-documents/uncitral/en/cids_supplemental_report.pdf
- Article 57 of ICSID rules.
- Secretariat, Possible reform of investor-State dispute settlement (ISDS) Selection and appointment of ISDS tribunal members (UNGA 2020). URL: https://uncitral.un.org/sites/uncitral.un.org/files/media-documents/uncitral/en/selection_and_appointment_eu_and_ms_comments.pdf
- Elsa Sardinha, Party-Appointed Arbitrators No More the EU-Led Investment Tribunal System as an (Imperfect?) Response to Certain Legitimacy Concerns in Investor-State Arbitration, The Law and Practice of International Courts and Tribunals 17 (2018) 117–134 117-134 (2018). URL: https://cil.nus.edu.sg/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/SARDINHA-Elsa_Party-Appointed-Arbitrators-No-More_July2018.pdf
- Matthew Hodgson, Yarik Kryvoi & Daniel Hrcka, ISDS Costs, Damages, Duration , British Institute of International and Comparative Law (BIICL), Allen & Ovary 6–7. URL: https://www.biicl.org/documents/136_isds-costs-damages-duration_june_2021.pdf
- Supra Note 1
- Reform of Investor State Dispute Settlement: In Search of a Roadmap (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development), 2013. URL: https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/webdiaepcb2013d4_en.pdf
- Deborah Ruff et al., Financing a Claim or Defence, Global Arbitration Review 1–2 (2022). URL: https://globalarbitrationreview.com/guide/the-guide-investment-treaty-protection-and-enforcement/first-edition/article/financing-claim-or-defence
- Matthew Hodgson ET AL., 2021 Empirical Studies: Costs, Damages and Duration in Investor State Arbitration, Allenovery.com (2021).
- OECD (2004), "Fair and Equitable Treatment Standard in International Investment Law", OECD Working Papers on International Investment, 2004/03, OECD Publishing
- Yannaca-Small, K. (2006), "Improving the System of Investor-State Dispute Settlement", OECD Working Papers on International Investment, 2006/01, OECD Publishing.
- August R. Einisch, The Scope of Investor State Dispute Settlement in International Investment Agreements, 21, Asia Pacific Law Review (2013)
- Rule 14 (1), (2) of the ICSID Arbitration Rules Amendment 2022, Pg 103, ICSID Convention rules, regulations and rules 2022.
- Third Party funding in India, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas 2–3 (2019). URL: https://www.cyrilshroff.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Third-Party-Funding-in-India.pdf
- Overview of an Arbitration - ICSID Convention Arbitration (2022 Rules), ICSID URL: https://icsid.worldbank.org/procedures/arbitration/convention/overview/2022
- Alberto Favro, New ICSID Arbitration Rules: A Further Step in The Regulation of Third-Party Funding, Kluwer Arbitration Blog (June 3, 2022). URL: https://arbitrationblog.kluwerarbitration.com/2022/06/03/new-icsid-arbitration-rules-a-further-step-in-the-regulation-of-third-party-funding/
- Olivia de Patoul & David Walker, The New ICSID Rules Came Into Force on 1 July 2022. What Do These Mean for Funders?, The Law and Practice of International Courts and Tribunals 17 (2018). URL: https://drs.deminor.com/en/blog/the-new-icsid-rules-came-into-force-on-1-july-2022-what-do-these-mean-for-funders
- Rule 62 of the ICSID Arbitration Rules Amendment 2022, Pg 128, ICSID Convention rules, regulations and rules 2022.
- Arbitration rule 48(4) of ICSID Arbitration rules 2006.
- Rule 67 (5) of the ICSID Arbitration Rules Amendment 2022, Pg 103, ICSID Convention rules, regulations and rules 2022.
- Rule 65 of the ICSID Arbitration Rules Amendment 2022, Pg 128, ICSID Convention rules, regulations and rules 2022.
- Rule 47 of the ICSID Arbitration Rules Amendment 2022, Pg 103, ICSID Convention rules, regulations and rules 2022.
- Rule 65 of the ICSID Arbitration Rules Amendment 2022, Pg 128, ICSID Convention rules, regulations and rules 2022.
- Rule 65 (4) of the ICSID Arbitration Rules Amendment 2022, Pg 128, ICSID Convention rules, regulations and rules 2022.
- Rule 47 of the ICSID Arbitration Rules Amendment 2022, Pg 103, ICSID Convention rules, regulations and rules 2022.
- Rule 3 of the ICSID Arbitration Rules Amendment 2022, Pg 20, ICSID Convention rules, regulations and rules 2022.
- Cost submissions - ICSID convention arbitration (2022 rules), ICSID, https://icsid.worldbank.org/procedures/arbitration/convention/cost-submissions/2022 (last visited Aug 14, 2023).
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- ICSID Rules 2022 Promote Efficiency in Investor-State Arbitration and Mediation, Clifford Chance pg 1-4 (2022)..https://www.cliffordchance.com/content/dam/cliffordchance/briefings/2022/06/icsid- rules-june-2022.pdf
- Rule 78 of the ICSID Arbitration Rules Amendment 2022, Pg 139, ICSID Convention rules, regulations and rules 2022.
- Loukas Mistelis Partner, Reform or Recalibrate ISDS? : Clyde & Co, Clyde & Co LLP (Aug. 17, 2022), https://www.clydeco.com/en/insights/2022/08/reform-or-recalibrate-isds.
- ICSID's New Mediation Rules approved by member states, Arbitration, https://www.arbitrationhub.com/insight/icsids-new-mediation-rules-approved-member-states
- Mediation rules and regulations (ICSID 2022). .https://icsid.worldbank.org/sites/default/files/documents/ICSID_Mediation.pdf
- Giovanni Sisinna, Generative AI for Lawyers: Revolutionizing the Legal Landscape LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/generative-ai-lawyers-revolutionizing-legal-landscape-sisinna
- Development, I. B. (n.d.). How can you leverage technology and AI to streamline arbitration and dispute resolution processes?. Technology and AI for Arbitration and Dispute Resolution. https://www.linkedin.com/advice/1/how-can-you-leverage-technology-ai
- Aditya Singh Chauhan, Future of AI in Arbitration: The Fine Line Between Fiction and Reality, Kluwer Arbitration Blog (26/2020). https://arbitrationblog.kluwerarbitration.com/2020/09/26/future-of-ai-in-arbitration-the-fine-line-between-fiction-and-reality/
- Hibah Alessa (2022) The role of Artificial Intelligence in Online Dispute Resolution: A brief and critical overview, Information & Communications Technology Law, 31:3, 319-342, DOI: 10.1080/13600834.2022.2088060
- Supra note 61
- United Nations Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts § 6,18 (UNCITRAL 2007).https://uncitral.un.org/en/texts/ecommerce/conventions/electronic_communications
- Joe Tirado, & Gabriela Cosio. (n.d.). Lex cryptographia: Guidelines for ensuring due process in transnational blockchain-based arbitration [1]. Lex Cryptographia: Guidelines for ensuring due process in transnational blockchain-based arbitration | International Bar Association. https://www.ibanet.org/lex-cryptographia-due-process-blockchain-based-arbitration
- Mulia, S. (2023, May 27). Blockchain Arbitration: The Future of Dispute Resolution. Fox Mandal. https://www.foxmandal.in/blockchain-arbitration-the-future-of-dispute-resolution/
- Hibah Alessa, Bridging the Governance Gap: Dispute Resolution for Blockchain-Based Transactions, World Economic Forum (2020). https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_WP_Dispute_Resolution_for_Blockchain_2020.pdf
- Michael Buchwald, Smart Contract Dispute Resolution: The Inescapable Flaws of Blockchain Based Arbitration, World Economic Forum 1415-1418 (2020). https://scholarship.law.upenn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=9702&context=penn_law_review
- Roland Amoussou, Blockchain Arbitration: The Cutting Edge of Arbitration and Dispute Resolution, World Economic Forum (2022). https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/blockchain-arbitration-cutting-edge-dispute-roland-amoussou/
- Daniel Fielding, If Two Heads Are Better Than One — Can Mediation Strengthen the Effectiveness of International Commercial Arbitration?, 3 Contemporary Issues in Mediation pg 1-5 (2018). https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/epdf/10.1142/9789813270824_0001
- Id.
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