Public policy is a key concept for international arbitration and is practically relevant because public policy is enshrined in the New York Convention and almost all national laws as a ground to resist enforcement or to annul an arbitral award. However, due to its theoretical complexity and dynamic nature, it has been acknowledged as being one of the most misused grounds and the approach of arbitration scholars to the topic has also often been fragmentary.

Public Policy and Mandatory Laws in International Arbitration offers a comprehensive account of a key concept for international arbitraion by two leading experts in the field. The book puts forward the argument that it is easier and more apposite to identify principles of public policy at a regional level or at a level where several states share a common legal background and tradition. The book focuses on common law principles of public policy, and public policy in English law in particular. The authors use their extensive experience and research to analyze the concept of public policy, and identify the key principles of public policy and mandatory rules of common law states in international arbitration.