International Disputes Digest - 2022 Winter Edition

International

Welcome to the winter edition of the International Disputes Digest, our bi-annual publication that considers and analyses current trends in global dispute-resolution and their wider impact.

With war raging in eastern Europe and no end to the conflict in sight, the world and the global economy continue to face complex challenges. In response to the invasion of Ukraine, Russian sanctions have impacted a world economy already suffering from supply-chain deficiencies and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Economic stresses have also been magnified by the decision of western countries to reduce reliance on Russian energy supplies, resulting in gasoline and natural gas shortages and widespread inflation in both the energy sector and the general economy. Although Ukraine's resilience on the battlefield raises the hope that the conflict will be resolved sooner rather than later, the international business community still faces a plethora of uncertainties.

In this edition, we feature a range of articles from around the world on topics as perse as directors’ duties for companies in financial distress, potential reform of the English Arbitration Act 1996, and risk management in the life sciences sector. We also consider how businesses in the UK can take steps to protect themselves in a “season of protest” and the obtaining of evidence abroad for use in international arbitration, amongst other matters.

We hope you enjoy reading this Digest. We wish you and your families a relaxing and peaceful festive break and all the best for 2023.