Perspectives Contentieuses Internationales (PCI), Volume 5

Key Takeaways

• Issue examines legal challenges of energy transition for extractive sector
• Articles explore state sovereignty, WTO law, and arbitration in resource disputes
• Focus on community relations, tropical forest protection, and deep‑seabed governance
• Highlights Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive's impact on resource exploitation
• Provides interdisciplinary insights for judges, policymakers, and investors

Pulse Analysis

The energy transition is forcing a profound re‑evaluation of how natural resources are extracted, regulated, and contested. PCI’s fifth volume captures this moment by assembling contributions that span public international law, private jurisdiction, and arbitration theory. Articles such as Kamalia Mehtiyeva’s on judicial challenges and Marie Lemey’s on state sovereignty illustrate the normative uncertainty that courts now face, while Joseph Reeves’ critique of WTO litigation reveals systemic tensions between trade rules and climate goals.

Beyond doctrinal analysis, the issue delves into the human dimension of resource projects. Sandrine Clavel’s piece on the jurisdictionalization of mining‑community relations and Julien Dellaux’s study of tropical‑forest protection underscore how local stakeholders are increasingly turning to litigation to safeguard environmental and social interests. These perspectives signal a shift toward more participatory dispute mechanisms, where corporate due‑diligence obligations—highlighted by Marie Nioche’s examination of the EU Corporate Sustainability Directive—become a litmus test for responsible extraction.

Finally, the volume looks ahead to emerging frontiers such as deep‑seabed mining. Niki Aloupi’s exploration of the International Seabed Authority as a multilateral governance model offers a blueprint for managing resources beyond national jurisdictions. By linking policy proposals with concrete case law, PCI equips judges, arbitrators, and investors with the analytical tools needed to navigate a rapidly evolving legal terrain, ensuring that the pursuit of clean energy does not sideline the rule of law.