The role of artificial intelligence in international commercial arbitration in the post-Covid era

The emergence of the global pandemic has recently propelled increased usage of artificial intelligenceHereinafter referred to as 'AI'. in our workplace. Technological advancement in the legal environment, mostly portrayed in the form of digitalization, blockchain and machine learning, among others, has significantly affected international arbitration - a critical procedural element underpinning digital trade. The application of these technologies may promote efficiency, cost and speed on the one hand, while on the other it may violate the current regulatory frameworks in international arbitration. This chapter, therefore, engages in analysing the future of international arbitration vis-à-vis the introduction of new technologies. In order to do this, this chapter aims at evaluating the possibility of replacing human arbitrators with AI arbitrators, the public policy requirements and the ethical issues that may arise therefrom.