As part of Paris Arbitration Week, Paris Place de Droit brought together leading practitioners and experts at the Paris Commercial Court to address a question that has become increasingly central: in a rapidly changing international landscape, does arbitration remain a tool for legal stability, or is it becoming an extension of power dynamics?
Historically conceived as a neutral forum for dispute resolution, international arbitration is now being reshaped by profound geopolitical developments. Finally, climate-related issues — increasingly present in international disputes — are giving rise to new forms of global tensions, requiring arbitration practices to evolve accordingly.
The discussions highlighted several key tensions. On the one hand, the growing impact of international sanctions on the effectiveness of arbitral proceedings, which may hinder the enforcement of awards or restrict access to certain mechanisms. On the other, the increasing tendency for arbitration to serve as a forum for geopolitical rivalries, particularly in the context of investment arbitration.
Speakers also pointed to a gradual shift in the nature of conflicts: from military or diplomatic arenas to the legal sphere. This evolution is accompanied by a growing politicisation of certain disputes, adding complexity to the role of arbitrators and reshaping the traditional balance of the field.Les intervenants ont également souligné un déplacement progressif des conflits : du terrain militaire ou diplomatique vers le terrain juridique.
Finally, climate-related issues — increasingly present in international disputes — are giving rise to new forms of global tensions, requiring arbitration practices to evolve accordingly.
The roundtable featured:
- Stephanie Smatt Pinelli, Legal Director of Broadcom France and Secretary General of Paris Place de Droit
- Patrick Sayer, President of the Paris Commercial Court and Paris Place de Droit
- Kamalia Mehtiyeva, Professor of Law at Paris-Est Créteil University, Arbitrator and Counsel
- Maxime Desplats, Partner at Navacelle
- Charles Michel, President Emeritus of the European Council
- Thomas Clay, Professor of International Arbitration at Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University, Lawyer and Managing Partner at Clay Arbitration
Through these discussions, Paris Place de Droit reaffirms its role as a platform for dialogue and reflection, supporting the international influence of Paris as a leading arbitration hub in a rapidly evolving environment.
