Griffin Christie
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Research Mentor(s): Katherine Simpson
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Ray Corollary Initiative / NonUM
Program: UROP
Session: Session 4 (1:40pm – 2:30pm)
Authors:
Abstract
The International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes, or ICSID, is the world’s foremost institution for the resolution of investor-state disputes. ICSID is renowned for handling “the majority of all known international investment cases†and provides a comprehensive database of documentation and arbitrator details associated with most cases they have been involved in. Our research examines whether the demographic minutiae, practice of ‘double-hatting’, or the past case experiences of ICSID arbitrators have any effects on the cost-decision outcomes of investor-state disputes. By parsing through the case and arbitrator databases provided by ICSID and reputable outside sources, our study hopes to use advanced statistical modeling to determine any correlation between these factors and the financial outcomes of cases. If a correlation is credibly found between the cost decisions of cases and the investigated factors, we hope this leads to a shift in the wider international arbitration world that will result in more equitable, fair case proceedings and outcomes. Furthermore, a correlation could result in arbitration bodies adjacent to ICSID becoming more transparent and willing to publish their databases publicly.
