Abstract
In Latin America, the rise of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) has emerged as a viable solution to the shortcomings of the traditional judicial system, which is often characterised as costly, bureaucratic and slow. The search for more efficient and cost-effective approaches to dispute resolution has driven interest in ADR methods.
The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of ADR methods, exploring their definitions, characteristics, advantages and challenges, with a focus on their applications in global international law and some success stories in the region. The research problem focuses on whether the high economic and time cost of litigation has driven the success and rapid adoption of these methods.
This study employs a qualitative and analytical approach, based on a literature review and case studies from various Latin American countries. The results show that ADR offers significant advantages, such as speed, cost-effectiveness and preservation of relationships, although its acceptance has been uneven across the region. The effectiveness of ADR in the region requires a delicate balance between voluntariness and mandatory application, as well as a clear delimitation of roles and decision-making powers between the parties involved and the judiciary. In sum, ADR has proven to be a valuable opportunity for the region, and its future looks even more promising.
References
Alessa, H. (2022). The role of Artificial Intelligence in Online Dispute Resolution: A brief and critical overview. Information & Communications Technology Law, 31(3), 319–342. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13600834.2022.2088060
American Arbitration Association. (s.f). About the AAA and ICDR. https://www.adr.org/about
American Bar Association. (2020). What is Dispute Resolution? https://www.americanbar.org/groups/dispute_resolution/resources/overview/
Asali, L. Aguilar, A. Nader, D. & Solis, F. (2024). Mexico: Salient trends and developments in ICSID investment arbitrations and political events. Global Arbitration Review. https://globalarbitrationreview.com/review/the-arbitration-review-of-the-americas/2025/article/mexico-salient-trends-and-developments-in-icsid-investment-arbitrations-and-political-events
Babbie, E. (2016). The practice of social research (14.a ed.). Cengage Learning.
Babbitt, E., & Hampson, F. (2011). Conflict Resolution and Human Needs: Linking Theory and Practice. Routledge.
Balzer, B., & Schneider, J. (2021). Managing a conflict: optimal alternative dispute resolution. The RAND Journal of Economics, 52(2), 415-445. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1756-2171.12374
Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo. (2006). El costo de los conflictos en las empresas y el uso de los métodos Alternativos de Resolución de Conflictos. Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18235/0009441
Bingham, L. (2004). Employment Dispute Resolution: The Case for Mediation. Conflict Resolution Quarterly, 22(1-2), 145-174.
Blackaby, N. (2001). Arbitration and Brazil: A Foreign Perspective. Arbitration International, 17(2), 129–142. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1011255830775
Blake, G. (1998). International boundaries and environmental security: Frameworks for regional cooperation. International and Comparative Law Quarterly, 47(3), 733–733. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0020589300062370
Born, G. (2015). International Arbitration: Law and Practice (2.a ed.). Kluwer Law International.
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
Briggs, E. (2012). The Applicability of Arbitration in the Americas: An Avant-Garde Approach to the Panama Convention. Interamerican Law Review, 43(3), 563-591.
Briscoe, I., & Stappers, M. (2012). Breaking the wave: Critical steps in the fight against crime in Guatemala. Clingendael.
Brown, H., & Marriott, A. (2011). ADR Principles and Practice (3.a ed.). Sweet & Maxwell.
Cámara de Comercio de Bogotá. (2024). El CAC en cifras: índice estadístico. Cartilla I sobre los indicadores más relevantes de los MASC. https://bibliotecadigital.ccb.org.co/items/f5b0ec29-baab-404f-aa67-a16674a5c716
Cámara de Comercio de Lima. (2024). Informe de Actividades. https://www.camaralima.org.pe/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MEMORIA-2023-2024-MOD-final_compressed.pdf
Cámara de Comercio de Santiago. (2024). Informe Anual. https://www.camsantiago.cl/reporte-anual-2023/
Carneiro, C., Duzert, Y. & de Almeida, R. (2022). Culture of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Brazil: An Exploratory Study of Business Mediation from the Theory, Laws and Perception of Lawyers. Beijing Law Review, 13, 365-400. DOI: 10.4236/blr.2022.132024.
Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. (n.d.). About Us. https://www.ciarb.org/about-us/
Chauhan, N. (2022). Judicial Intervention in Arbitration Proceedings: A Comparative Analysis. Manupatra Articles. https://articles.manupatra.com/article-details/Judicial-Intervention-In-Arbitration-A-Comparative-Analysis
Cole, S., Nadja, A., McEwen, C., Rogers, N., Coben, J., & Thompson, P. (2024). Mediation: Law, Policy, Practice (3rd ed.). Thomson Reuters.
Davies, M. (2008). Adjudication outside Construction, Adjudication for Consumer Disputes. American Society of Civil Engineers, 134(3), 302-305. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)1052-3928(2008)134:3(302)
De la Peña, E., & Rivero, F. (2023). Spotlight on Mexico’s Evolving Arbitration System. En J. Astigarraga (Ed.), The Guide to International Arbitration in Latin America. Global Arbitration Review.
Deffains, B., Demougin, D., & Desrieux, C. (2017). Choosing ADR or litigation. International Review of Law and Economics, 49, 33-40. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.irle.2016.11.002
Elisavetsky, A. (2021). The Growth of Mediation in Argentina. Mediate.com. https://mediate.com/the-growth-of-mediation-in-argentina/
Emery, R. E. (2012). Renegotiating Family Relationships: Divorce, Child Custody, and Mediation (2.a ed.). Guilford Press.
Fach, K. (2023). Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms and Transformative Constitutionalism in Latin America: How a People-Driven and Effective Universal Access to Justice Fosters Rule of Law and Generates Social Inclusion. Max Planck Institute for Comparative Public Law & International Law, 21, 1-25 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4323903
Ferrero, E., (1987). La mediación: teoría y práctica. Derecho PUCP, 41, 37-59. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18800/derechopucp.198701.002
Field, A. (2018). Discovering statistics using IBM SPSS statistics (5.a ed.). Sage.
Fowler, F. (2014). Survey research methods (5th ed.). Sage. Wanis - St. John, A. (2000). “Implementing Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Transitioning States: Lessons Learned From Practice”. Harvard Law Review, 5, 339-381.
Galanter, M., & Cahill, M. (1994). "Most Cases Settle": Judicial Promotion and Regulation of Settlements. Stanford Law Review, 46(6), 1339-1391. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/1229161
García Ascencios, F. (2019). Alternative dispute resolution in Peruvian legal system. Asian International & Comparative Labor & Employment Law. DOI:10.13140/RG.2.2.14270.02884
García, R. (2002). Aproximación a los mecanismos de resolución de conflictos en América Latina. El Otro Derecho ILSA, 26-27, 149-177. https://cejamericas.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/4RosarioGarcia.pdf
Gonzalo, M. (2023). La inteligencia artificial en el arbitraje internacional 2.0. Oportunidades y desafíos en un futuro que ya es presente. Cuadernos de Derecho Transnacional, 15(2), 516-550. DOI: https://doi.org/10.20318/cdt.2023.8067
Griffith, I. L. (1993). The Quest for Security in the Caribbean: Problems and Promises in Subordinate States. Routledge.
Hensler, D. (2003). Our Courts, Ourselves: How the Alternative Dispute Resolution Movement Is Re-Shaping Our Legal System. Penn State Law Review, 108(1), 165-197.
Hernández Crespo, M. (2008). A systemic perspective of ADR in Latin America: Enhancing the shadow of the Law through citizen participation. Cardozo Journal of Conflict Resolution, 10(8), 91-128. https://ssrn.com/abstract=1293000
Huneeus, A. (2011). Courts resisting courts: Lessons from the Inter-American Court's struggle to enforce human rights. Cornell International Law Journal, 44(3), 493-533.
ICSID. (2011). Abaclat and Others v. Argentine Republic (ICSID Case No. ARB/07/5). https://icsid.worldbank.org/cases/case-database
Inter-American Commercial Arbitration Commission. (s.f.). About IACAC. https://www.iacac.org/about-iacac
International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes. (s.f.). About ICSID. https://icsid.worldbank.org/about
Jana, A. (2015). International Commercial Arbitration in Latin America: Myths and Realities. Journal of International Arbitration, 32(4), 413-446. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54648/joia2015019
Kalalo, F., y Pontoh, K. (2020). The Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Legal Framework for International Arbitration Practices in Indonesia. Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research, 472, 6-10. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.200917.002
Katsh, E., & Rabinovich, O. (2017). Digital Justice: Technology and the Internet of Disputes. Oxford University Press.
Kaufmann-Kohler, G., & Rigozzi, A. (2015). International Arbitration: Law and Practice in Switzerland. Oxford University Press.
Kleinheisterkamp, J. (2005). International Commercial Arbitration in Latin America: Regulation and practice in the MERCOSUR and the associated countries. Oxford University Press.
Krippendorff, K. (2018). Content analysis: An introduction to its methodology (4.a ed.). Sage Publications.
Larrea, C., & Warnars, L. (2009). Ecuador's Yasuni-ITT Initiative: Avoiding emissions by keeping petroleum underground. Energy Policy, 13(3), 219-223.
London Court of International Arbitration. (n.d.). About the LCIA. https://www.lcia.org/About.aspx
Mantilla, M., & Adam, J. (2008). Uncitral Model Law: Missed opportunities for enhanced Uniformity. UNSW Law Journal, 31(1), 307-318.
Mares, D. (2001). Violent peace: Militarized interstate bargaining in Latin America. Columbia University Press.
Mark, J. (2010). Trouble in Central America: Honduras Unravels. Journal of Democracy, 21(2), 93-107. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1353/jod.0.0170.
Mason, P. (2008). New Keys to Arbitration in Latin-America. Journal of International Arbitration, 25(1), 31-69. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54648/joia2008002
Mavroidis, P. (2016). The Regulation of International Trade: GATT. MIT Press.
McAdoo, B. (2002). A Report to the Minnesota Supreme Court: The Impact of Rule 114 on Civil Litigation Practice in Minnesota. Hamline Journal of Public Law and Policy, 23(2), 247-280.
McCaffrey, S. (2019). The Law of International Watercourses. Oxford University Press.
Menkel, C. (2000). Mothers and Fathers of Invention: The Intellectual Founders of ADR. Ohio State Journal on Dispute Resolution, 16(1), 1-37.
Menkel, C. (2015). Variations in the Uptake of and Resistance to Mediation Outside of the United States. En N. Alexander (Ed.), International and Comparative Mediation: Legal Perspectives (pp. 419-447). Kluwer Law International
Menkel-Meadow, C. (2016). Mediation: Theory, Policy and Practice. Routledge.
Menkel-Meadow, C., Love, L. P., Schneider, A. K., & Sternlight, J. R. (2018). Dispute Resolution: Beyond the Adversarial Model. Aspen Publishers.
Moore, C. (2014). The Mediation Process: Practical Strategies for Resolving Conflict (4.a ed.). Jossey-Bass.
Moses, M. (2017). The Principles and Practice of International Commercial Arbitration (3.a ed.). Cambridge University Press.
Moyer, T.J., & Haynes, E- S. (2003). Mediation as a Catalyst for Judicial Reform in Latin America. Ohio State Journal on Dispute Resolution, 18(3), 619-668.
Navarrete Guzmán, T. (2019). Transitional justice in Colombia: Competing discourses in a peace agreement. International Institute of Social Studies of Erasmus University.
Osi, C. (2008). Understanding Indigenous Dispute Resolution Processes and Western Alternative Dispute Resolution. Cardozo Journal of Conflict Resolution, 10(1), 163-231.
Oteiza, E. (2005). ADR Methods and the diversity of cultures: The Latin American Case. En Loïc Cadiet (Dir.), Mediation & Arbitrage, Alternative Dispute Resolution. Alternative a la Justice ou Justice Alternative ? Perspectives Comparatives (pp. 161-177). Litec Paris.
Páez, D., Oliveira, A., y Zetina, F. (2023). 2023 in Review: Commercial Arbitration Highlights in Latin America. Kluwer Arbitration Blog. https://arbitrationblog.kluwerarbitration.com/2024/01/09/2023-in-review-commercial-arbitration-highlights-in-latin-america/
Patton, M. (2015). Qualitative Evaluation and Research Methods. Sage.
Perez, L. (2002). Mediation in Mexico. Willamette Journal of International Law and Dispute Resolution, 10(1), 117-120.
Rubin, H. J., & Rubin, I. S. (2012). Qualitative interviewing: The art of hearing data (3.a ed.). Sage.
Savelka, J., Ashley, K., Gray, M., WestermanN, H., y Xu, H. (2023). ChatGPT is an Artificial Lawyer. CEUR Workshop Proceedings, 3435, 1-8. https://ceur-ws.org/Vol-3435/short2.pdf
Shavell, S. (2004). Foundations of Economic Analysis of Law. Harvard University Press
Silvera, A., Arboleda, A., y Saket, J. (2015). La conciliación, herramienta de interdisciplinariedad para exaltar la cultura de acuerdos en la solución de conflictos en Colombia. Justicia Juris, 11(1), 89-99.
Stipanowich, T. (2004). ADR and the Vanishing Trial: The Growth and Impact of "Alternative Dispute Resolution". Journal of Empirical Legal Studies, 1(3), 843-912. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1740-1461.2004.00025.x
Stipanowich, T. (2010). Arbitration: The "New Litigation". University of Illinois Law Review, 1, 1-59.
Susskind, L. McKearnan, S. & Thomas-Larmer, J., (1999). The Consensus Building Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide to Reaching Agreement. SAGE
Susskind, L., & Cruikshank, J. (1987). Breaking the Impasse: Consensual Approaches to Resolving Public Disputes. Basic Books.
United Nations Commission on International Trade Law. (1958). UNCITRAL Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards. https://uncitral.un.org/es/texts/arbitration/conventions/foreign_arbitral_awards
United Nations Commission on International Trade Law. (2016). UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration. https://uncitral.un.org/en/texts/arbitration/modellaw/commercial_arbitration
United Nations Commission on International Trade Law. (2018). UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Mediation and International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation. https://uncitral.un.org/en/texts/mediation/modellaw/commercial_conciliation
Yin, R. (2018). Case study research and applications: Design and methods (6.a ed.). Sage.
Zeleznikow, J. (2021). Using Artificial Intelligence to provide Intelligent Dispute Resolution Support. Group Decis Negot, 30, 789–812 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10726-021-09734-1
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Copyright (c) 2024 Revista Vía Iuris