Decision-Makers and Representation

Abstract The identity of the decision-makers in the African cases is the subject that is discussed most frequently relative to any other topic in ISDS discourses. This chapter identifies all of the arbitrators and party representatives in each case. Unlike most prior studies, it presents it in a narrative form rather than in a statistical chart. It finds that out of the total 88 appointments, only four have been women and only eight have been non-Western. Only one tribunal had majority woman. No tribunal was chaired by a non-Westerner. This sample is appears indicative of a broader trend and confirms many previous studies. It also suggests that the extent of the diversity deficit in the African cases might be even greater than cases from other regions.