International Arbitration and the COVID-19 Revolution

Book excerpt: International Arbitration and the COVID-19 Revolution Edited by Maxi Scherer, Niuscha Bassiri & Mohamed S. Abdel Wahab The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on all major economic sectors and industries has triggered profound and systemic changes in international arbitration. Moreover, the fact that entire proceedings are now being conducted remotely constitutes so significant a deviation from the norm as to warrant the designation ‘revolution’. This timely book is the first to describe and analyse how the COVID-19 crisis has redefined arbitral practice, with critical appraisal from well-known practitioners of the pandemic’s effects on substantive and procedural aspects from the commencement of proceedings until the enforcement of the award. With practical guidance from a variety of perspectives – legal, practical, and sector-specific – on the conduct of international arbitration during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, the chapters present leading practitioners’ insights into the unprecedented and multifaceted issues that arise. They provide expert tips and challenges in such practical matters as the following: preventing and resolving disputes of particular types – construction, energy, aviation, technology, media and telecommunication, finance and insurance; arbitrator appointments; issues of planning, preparation and sample procedural orders; witness preparation and cross-examination; e-signature of arbitral awards; setting aside and enforcement proceedings; and third-party funding. Also included are an empirical survey of users’ views and an overview of how the COVID-19 revolution has affected the arbitration rules of leading arbitral seats. With this timely and practical book, arbitration practitioners and scholars will gain up-to-date knowledge of sector-specific challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and approach arbitration proceedings with an understanding of the most important legal and practical considerations during the crisis and beyond.