Abstract

The ongoing global pandemic has forced States to implement a variety of emergency measures, some of which could potentially lead to investment claims and, under such circumstances, States may rely on customary law defenses. Particularly relevant for purposes of a global pandemic scenario are the defenses based on force majeure, distress and necessity. This article will analyze the specific requirements for each of the defenses, it will briefly explain their constitutive elements, review the known cases that have considered them, and thus discern whether they would be appropriate for the possible challenges faced by States.

This paper is be part of a series of papers on "Force Majeure, Hardship, etc". More information here www.transnational-dispute-management.com/news.asp?key=1813