International arbitration plays a critical role in protecting investments against political risks. The UK's withdrawal from the Energy Charter Treaty was completed in 2025, while the sunset provision protects existing investments until April 2045.
Our experts provide independent analysis for ICSID, LCIA, ICC, and UNCITRAL proceedings. Coverage includes Chorzow Factory full reparation standards, direct and indirect expropriation, fair and equitable treatment (FET), full protection and security, umbrella clauses, and BIT protections.
The UK government is currently respondent in active investor-state arbitrations including Woodhouse/West Cumbria Mining and Mikhail Fridman's claim (2025-2026), representing a new frontier for UK treaty arbitration with over 80 bilateral investment treaties in force.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a political risk expert witness in investment treaty arbitration?
In investment treaty arbitration, political risk expert witnesses provide independent analysis of the geopolitical, regulatory, and policy context of host state conduct, explaining why government actions constituted expropriation, FET breach, or other treaty violations in the political context of the time. They bridge the gap between legal submissions and factual country conditions for arbitral tribunals.
What is the significance of the UK's Energy Charter Treaty withdrawal?
The UK completed its withdrawal from the Energy Charter Treaty in 2025. However, the treaty's sunset provision means existing investments made by qualifying foreign investors retain protection until April 2045, making ECT expert evidence relevant to UK disputes for decades to come.