Creating an ICSID Appellate Body

Since the creation of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) over forty years ago, states have increasingly relied on this body to resolve conflicts in bilateral investment treaties (BITs). In light of such exponential growth in the number of disputes brought to the ICSID, the ICSID Secretariat has proposed the adoption of an optional appellate body to promote coherence and consistency in ICSID arbitrations. This comment argues that, given the realities of tribunal decision-making and of the interdependent global economy, states should consider taking steps towards reforming the ICSID system as a way of maximizing their remaining sovereignty and autonomy