High Political Risk in Investment Arbitration: The Case Study of Venezuela

This WAW panel will provide a deep understanding of the impact of the new era of Interim President Juan Guaidó on investment arbitration and dispute resolution, especially as the Maduro regime regains space. As a significant portion of BIT claims against Venezuela still remain before ICSID, claims favorable to foreign investors against Venezuela may still be influenced by Maduro’s current government. The panel will discuss the following: 

• What is the current status for foreign investors in Venezuela? 
• What options are left for foreign investors facing legal, political and financial hurdles in Venezuela? 
• Is international arbitration still an option? 
• Are other means—such as negotiations or mediations—realistically available?  
• In case of favorable arbitration awards, what means are there to enforce them?