International Commercial And Investor State Arbitration

This thought-provoking book combines analysis of international commercial and investment treaty arbitration in order to examine how they have been framed by the twin tensions of ‘in/formalisation’ and ‘glocalisation’. Taking a comparative approach, the book focuses on Australia and Japan in their attempts to become regional hubs for international arbitration and dispute resolution services in the increasingly influential Asia-Pacific context as well as a global context.

Investment arbitration has become the key forum to settle disputes between investors and the host state. It is not clear from the arbitration agreements which body of law the arbitrators should apply: national or international. This book examines how the legal framework which the arbitral panels operate in influences which body of law they apply.

The Compendium, like an encyclopedia, contains entries for most of the foundational principles and concepts underlying arbitration. Each entry takes a holistic view of international arbitration, as they tackle core concepts from both a commercial and an investment arbitration perspective, focusing on the fundamental issues underlying the various topics rather than on the solutions adopted in any particular jurisdiction, thus making the Compendium a truly cross-border, transnational resource. This innovative approach will allow readers to identify the commonalities as well as the differences between commercial and investment arbitration, whether and where cross-fertilization has taken place and what consequences it can have. This approach allows the Compendium to be a tool in promoting the creation of a culture of international arbitration that considers commercial arbitration and investment arbitration as part of a whole but with certain distinct features particular to each.

Arbitration is the most common mechanism for disputes' settlement in developing countries. Following the move to free market economies, arbitration will play an increasingly fundamental role in order to protect foreign investors in the Middle East and North African Region (MENA). This book examines the pulse and dynamics of international investment arbitration and the new era of mediation in state contracts in the region. The author explores the harmonization of international arbitration and the sensitive issue of le Contrat Administratif in Middle East civil law countries. The volume also discusses the pivotal role of international organizations such as UNCTAD and ICSID in codifying fair and prompt mechanisms for dispute settlement. Using Latin American countries as a prime example of how international legislative instruments serve international investment law principles and comparing Latin American experiences where appropriate, the book demonstrates how lessons can be learned in respect of alternative dispute resolution, international commercial arbitration and investor-states arbitration. It provides suggestions and recommendations for the future and includes useful appendices detailing recent worldwide trends, regional and international instruments in the arbitration world.

The collected papers in ICCA Congress Series no. 11, as reflected in its title, address important contemporary questions in international commercial arbitration. Included are contributions written by participants in the UNCITRAL Working Group on Arbitration and Conciliation on its current work on the requirement of a written form for an arbitration agreement, interim measures of protection and UNCITRAL?s Model Law on International Commercial Conciliation. Further contributions give leading practitioners? views on illegality in the formation and performance of contracts or in the conduct of the arbitration, examining questions on how the arbitral tribunal should deal with these vexed issues and how forgery and fraud may be detected. The factors that lead to acceptance by parties of the decisions of arbitrators are dealt with in contributions on the psychological aspects of dispute resolution. The volume concludes with a series of articles on arbitration under investment treaties written by experienced arbitrators and practitioners, with special emphasis on ICSID and NAFTA and the emerging issues of transparency, accountability and review. Contains lengthy articles on the ongoing work of UNCITRAL on proposed amendments to the UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration and the recently adopted Model Law on International Commercial Conciliation Details the current thinking on the requirement of an arbitration agreement in writing and how this can be accommodated by the UNCITRAL Model Law and the 1958 New York Convention Addresses the granting of interim measures by arbitral tribunals and their enforcement by national and foreign courts Analyzes issues raised by illegality in the formation and performance of contracts and in the conduct arbitrations and provides a systematic overview of the answers given by legislation, arbitrators and courts Provides insight into the attitudes of arbitrators and parties regarding dispute settlement processes Addresses the changing public perception of arbitration under investment treaties

This in-depth commentary analyses the new UNCITRAL Rules on Transparency in Treaty-Based Investor-State Arbitration.

I. Introduction II. History and Limitations of the Traditional System for Resolving Investment Disputes III. The Modern System of Investor-State Arbitration IV. Commonly Used Procedural Rules V. Procedural Law Applicable in Investor-State Arbitration VI. National Court Interference: Anti-Arbitration Injunctions VII. The Course of an Investment Arbitration VIII. Consolidation under Relevant Arbitration Rules or Treaties IX. Governing Law in Investment Disputes X. Consent to Arbitral Jurisdiction XI. The Concept of Investment XII. The Nationality of the Investor XIII. Exhaustion of Local Remedies XIV. Election of Forum: National Courts and Contract Arbitrations XV. Discrimination XVI. Expropriation XVII. "Fair and Equitable Treatment" and "Full Protection and Security" XVIII. Umbrella Clauses XIX. Damages, Compensation, and Non-Pecuniary Remedies XX. Annulment and Set Aside XXI. Enforcement of Awards XXII. The Future of International Investment Arbitration Select Bibliography Index Table of Cases Index of Treaties, Conventions, and International Agreements.

Investor-State disputes are increasing and damage awards are often significant. It is thus no surprise that the investor-State dispute settlement (ISDS) system has come under scrutiny. Perceptions have arisen that ISDS is inconsistent, lacks transparency, and is simply unfair. This book delves into the ongoing worldwide debate and discussions regarding the ISDS system. Drawing contributors from around the world, the authors provide insights on critical topics and address the key question facing the ISDS system and the international community it serves: Should the present ISDS system be reformed, replaced, or simply remain as is? The contributors represent points of view ranging from academia to practice to governmental entities, addressing such topics as: the possible consequences of wholesale replacement or elimination of the current ISDS system; mediation as an alternative to resolve ISDS disputes; the creation of a multinational investment court or appellate review mechanism; lack of an early dismissal mechanism to eliminate meritless claims; issues regarding arbitrators, including their appointment and ethical obligations; how investors may retain their right to pursue claims for violations of investment protection following termination of an agreement; a State’s right to assert a counterclaim against an investor-claimant; the role of ISDS in promoting and protecting renewable energy production; the liability of State-controlled entities; the effects and implications of third-party funding; the duty to mitigate damages in the light of excessive damages awards; and improvements and issues relating to post-award enforcement, duration, and cost of ISDS. This book considers the ongoing deliberations and reform measures proposed by UNCITRAL’s Working Group III and provides insights into how several geographic regions and economic cooperation areas have sought to address the question of reform of the ISDS system, including the European Union, the Middle East, and the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. With its much-needed and deeply informed balancing of investor and State rights and duties, this book will be welcomed by all who practise in the ISDS field, including arbitrators, State governments and non-governmental organizations, regional economic organizations, and international investors.