International Arbitration Update: Global Developments And Trends To Watch

Our annual survey provides updates on significant legal reforms affecting arbitration in jurisdictions in North and South America, Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, as well as discussions of major court rulings around the globe that affect arbitration.

What to Watch

Africa

Increasing government involvement in resource extraction. Many African jurisdictions with rare earth minerals and other natural resources have been undergoing significant geopolitical and regulatory changes. Governments are seeking to boost public finances and assert greater control over extractive industries, often in response to fiscal pressures, shifting public sentiment, and increasing unemployment. These developments have resulted in increased regulatory scrutiny, stricter local ownership requirements, and, in some cases, direct state intervention, all of which pose greater challenges going forward for all entities operating in these jurisdictions.