“Asynchronous” Judicial Procedures as a Future Model of International Arbitration

Abstract

The author examines how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted international arbitration in terms of the use of new forms of litigation. The article summarizes that parties, lawyers and arbitrators must adapt to the new reality of court hearings caused by travel restrictions and social distancing measures. Attention is drawn to one particularly topical issue: should we completely stop holding hearings directly in the courtroom and switch to a new model of sessions organized remotely through using of modern video conferencing technologies? In addition, this author attempts to develop an analytical framework for remote hearings in international arbitration. In the context of the current pandemic and its possible continuation, the author proposes certain criteria for determining the need for a remote hearing.