A Strategy of Non-Participation before International Courts and Tribunals

One of the greatest challenges facing international courts and tribunals today is a State’s decision not to participate in a proceeding. Ever since China refused to take part in the South China Sea arbitration in 2013, there have been no fewer than nine additional inter-State cases of non-participation. The existing literature views this growing phenomenon as a problem. This article, however, takes the perspective of the non-participating State, and thus views non-participation as a strategy. After examining the law and practice of non-participation, the article discusses a series of strategic considerations that States should take into account when deciding whether to participate in a proceeding. In doing so, the article hopes not only to advise States considering non-participation, but also to help others understand the reasons behind a State’s decision of non-participation.