International Arbitration: Territorial Disputes

The Political Calculus of Border Disputes: Arbitration, Adjudication, and the Limits of Legalism

Resolving international border disputes is a complex undertaking, sitting at the intersection of international law and political reality. While legal mechanisms like arbitration offer a structured path to settlement, their request, effectiveness, and ultimate success are profoundly shaped by political considerations. A recent study by Siniver sheds light on the use of arbitration in four specific border disputes, offering valuable insights into its comparative advantages over mediation under certain political conditions. However,the study also highlights inherent limitations and raises crucial questions about the political dynamics that influence states’ choices of dispute resolution mechanisms.