Disputes over critical assets now drive many international arbitrations. Ports, airports, energy projects, mining assets, data centres, telecom networks and transport corridors are no longer purely commercial assets. States increasingly link them to national security, economic sovereignty, supply chains and geopolitical influence. The Panama Canal ports dispute shows this trend clearly. Panama Ports Company, a […]
Can Misconduct in Arbitration Invalidate an Award?
International arbitration is often chosen because it offers parties a final and enforceable decision.[1] In most cases, that finality is one of its greatest advantages. However, an arbitral award is not immune from challenge.[2] Where serious misconduct has affected the proceedings, a party may be able to challenge the arbitral award before the courts of […]
Indus Waters Treaty Arbitration: Can India Put the Treaty in Abeyance?
The Indus Waters Treaty arbitration has become one of the most significant treaty arbitration developments of 2026. It is no longer only about dams, rivers or hydropower. It is a test of whether a State can put a treaty “in abeyance”, refuse to participate in arbitration and still avoid the legal consequences of an arbitral […]
The CEPANI 2026 Arbitration Rules
The Belgian Centre for Arbitration and Mediation (“CEPANI”) has adopted revised Arbitration Rules, which will enter into force on 1 June 2026 (“2026 CEPANI Arbitration Rules”). CEPANI states that the revision is intended to provide users with a more “modern, clear, and efficient” dispute resolution mechanism, with a particular focus on digitalisation, multiparty proceedings, sustainability, […]
UNCITRAL SPEDR Adjudication and the Construction Industry
Construction projects are uniquely vulnerable to disruption caused by unresolved disputes because interruptions in payment or performance during ongoing works can rapidly affect labour, procurement, subcontractor mobilisation, project sequencing, and ultimately project viability. Unlike many commercial disputes, construction conflicts frequently arise while contractual performance is still ongoing, meaning that delayed resolution may itself become a […]