ABSTRACT
In the era of globalization in international trade, multi-party disputes and the interlocking of contracts bring about the problem of overlapping arbitration of disputes. This leads to inconsistent decisions and unnecessary costs. Arbitration consolidation, or the aggregation of related arbitrations into a single proceeding, offers a solution to these challenges. However, it creates significant issues, particular in its alignment with particularly or individual features of arbitration. Therefore, this article explores this conceptual tension between procedural efficiency and party autonomy in the consolidation of arbitration. The paper discusses the legal and procedural structures surrounding consolidation and what it portends for the core principles of arbitration itself. It examines the legal and procedural frameworks surrounding consolidation, focusing on the potential implications for fundamental arbitration principles. The analysis highlights institutional rules and judicial approaches that allow for compulsory consolidation without unanimous party consent, emphasizing the resulting risks to party autonomy and confidentiality. The study recommends, such practical steps, to balance these diverging objectives, such the use of consolidation provisions, use of institution reforms, that prioritize party consent and narrowly tailored confidentiality provisions. Through balancing the dual goals of procedural efficiency and preservation of autonomy, the article provides a detailed framework for the efficacious stakeholder resolution of consolidation challenges in international arbitration. A valuable resource for practitioners, arbitrators and policymakers who share the common ground at the efficiency-autonomy intersection in multi-party disputes.
Naheed, Areej and Maseehullah, Maseehullah, Reconciling Party Autonomy and Procedural Efficiency in Arbitration Consolidation (November 25, 2025), Contemporary Asia Arbitration Journal, volume 18, no 2, pp 303-29, November 2025.
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