Mediation as a Prerequisite for Dispute Prevention in Investment Treaty Arbitration
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This article analyzes the development and increasing significance of mediation as a preliminary step to prevent disputes in investment treaty arbitration. It discusses the historical context, current legal and institutional frameworks such as ICSID, UNCITRAL, and bilateral treaties, and explores doctrinal aspects of combining mediation and arbitration. Empirical evidence, including case studies, is reviewed to assess the effectiveness of mediation. The challenges of integrating mediation, including confidentiality, enforcement, and transparency concerns, are critically evaluated. Finally, forward-looking reform proposals are presented to enhance the use of mediation and institutionalize it as a standard part of investor-state dispute resolution mechanisms.
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