Back to International Law in Action: the Arbitration of International Disputes
Universiteit Leiden

International Law in Action: the Arbitration of International Disputes

‘The Arbitration of International Disputes’ is the third course of Leiden University’s series on International Law in Action. The first course covered generalities on the international courts and tribunals in The Hague, while the second course provided an insider's perspective into the work of international criminal courts and tribunals. This third course explores the major aspects of international arbitration as one of the most common method of international dispute settlement . Through this course you will gain an in-depth understanding of the various facets of international arbitration through the analysis of its role as a mechanism of dispute settlement, its institutions, the fields of law it is applicable to, and, of course, its most famous awards. The main question we will answer together during this course is "Can international arbitration contribute to the creation of a peaceful world through the settlement of disputes between States and between States and non-State actors?" In order to do so, we will learn the basic historical concepts or arbitration, as well as everything there is to know about the Permanent Court of Arbitration, based in The Hague. We will then dive into the role of international arbitration in settling disputes relating to the Law of the Sea, with a particular insight into the landmark South China Sea Arbitration. For an entire module, we will focus on investment arbitration, its principles and the procedure of the ICSID, the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes. We will conclude the course with a module on the interplay between state immunity and enforcement of arbitral awards. This is brought to light through the Yukos Arbitration which is a perfect illustration of the topic. This course offers you an opportunity to gain a better insight into international arbitration, its role and the current issues relating to it. You will gain in-depth knowledge of the principles and rules of arbitration. You will explore the topic through concrete examples and the most prominent arbitrations. You will also grasp the notion of international arbitration navigating between law and politics. International arbitration and The Hague go hand in hand: several key arbitration institutes are located in The Hague and important disputes were settled here through arbitration. The Hague is, so to speak, ‘the place to be for international arbitration’, especially when we are dealing with arbitration between States, or arbitration of investment disputes between foreign investors and States. Join us for the course and become an expert on international arbitration! This course is free to join and to participate in. There is the possibility to get a verified certificate for the course, which is a paid option. If you want a certificate, but are unable to pay for it, you can request financial aid via Coursera.

Status: Diplomacy
Status: Arbitration
Course10 hours

Featured reviews

MR

5.0Reviewed Jan 22, 2020

It was a wonderful course on International Arbitration by University of Leiden. Got to learn a lot. I would like to thank Coursera and University of Leiden for such a productive course.

LM

5.0Reviewed May 8, 2020

Great course to provide an overview of international arbitration. The last exercise needs to be updated with the latest info on the Yukos case, the Appels Court (18/02/2020) reinstated the PCA award.

HH

5.0Reviewed Jun 1, 2025

I firlmly believe that, this course can help you increase the knowledge of arbitral issues and questions. Indeed, I have found these modules informative and useful.

SK

4.0Reviewed Apr 24, 2020

It was a wonderfully crafted course on International arbitration, but i had to gone through some difficulties to access forum and assignments via mobile phone.

CC

4.0Reviewed Feb 7, 2020

This course includes short videos that allow me to have a general understanding of international arbitration in 4 weeks. The content is concise, well structured and easy to understand.

TS

4.0Reviewed Oct 30, 2022

T​his course opens your mind to the world, a lot of things make sense thereafter, it is difficult is you dont take time to read the materials provide. Very informative !!!

MB

5.0Reviewed Jul 7, 2021

A good backgrounder on International arbitration. I have an in depth knowledge of the subject after finishing the course. I want to pursue an LLM in relation to this field of law.

KM

5.0Reviewed Dec 18, 2022

I would like to thank Coursera for this superb course. Very good structure, good explaining, etc. I recommend it to anybody who whishes for a degree in Commercial law.

HM

5.0Reviewed Apr 6, 2018

This was a very insightful course. The manner in which it is structured allows a considerable in-depth coverage of content and direction for further personal development.

GS

5.0Reviewed Aug 27, 2025

This course provided clear, structured and detailed information. The supporting materials were also very detailed! Definitely positively exceeded my expectations!

AR

5.0Reviewed Jun 18, 2023

Learned so many practical stuff which I could not learn earlier. A big Thank you to all the staff members. Highly Recommended to all those who want to learn regarding the Arbitration.

LP

5.0Reviewed Oct 22, 2022

T​hank yuo to the highly skilled lecturers .They made the course so much simplier and eady to understand .I​ gained knowledge where i was lacking T​hank you

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