Originally from Dispute Resolution Journal

Recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards has always been a somewhat troublesome issue. Since arbitrators themselves do not possess the power to enforce awards, parties to international arbitration must instead look to treaties and statutes for enforcement. Toward that end, the United Nations Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards has achieved widespread acceptance from the international community. The United States, for example, has shown a particularly strong pro enforcement policy regarding international awards. In the following article the author examines the application of the Convention under the United States’ Federal Arbitration Act, both through analysis of specific articles within the Convention, as well as consideration of key court rulings.

The globalization of the world market has made business dealings with foreign companies numerous and commonplace. As business grows between domestic and foreign companies, disputes are inevitable.