My attention was drawn recently to a chart illustrating an article in the Financial Times, which showed higher levels of zero sum thinking among those whose early adult years corresponded to a slow-down in economic activity. The degree of zero sum thinking was on a scale of 0-100 where 100 = “Wealth can grow so…

In September 2024, the National Council of Justice (CNJ) in Brazil approved Resolution No. 586, marking a significant step forward in labor conflict resolution. This development builds on the country’s ongoing efforts to modernize its labor laws, as I discussed back in 2018 when I highlighted the need for a more efficient, consensual approach to…

As you read this, put your hand up if you are a parent, grandparent, uncle, aunt or anyone who regularly spends time in the company of young children. If you fall into this category (and it probably covers most of you who are reading this) you are almost certain to have experienced the phenomenon of…

This post was drafted by Leonardo D’Urso, Julia Radanova, and Constantin Adi Gavrila. Introduction In the variegated landscape of European legal systems, mediation has often been overshadowed by traditional litigation. Yet, the winds of change are blowing, particularly with the emergence of soft mandatory mediation models. Among these, Italy’s opt-out model stands as a beacon…

Nadja: Irakli , thanks for making the time for this chat. Before we start, can you say a little bit about your role in mediation in Georgia and the region?Irakli: Thank you for inviting me and expressing interest towards Georgian mediation. I hold several roles in the development of mediation in Georgia: as the Chairman…

Making the ‘right’ decision can be one of the hardest parts of the mediation process. Once understanding of has been enhanced and options thoroughly explored – how best to choose a way forward? One of the great Enlightenment thinkers may be able to offer some help. Adam Smith is best known for ‘The Wealth of…

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), supported by the European Union, established a “Support to Justice Initiatives Curbing Corruption and Promoting Commercial Dispute Resolution Programme” in Iraq in 2021. As part of that programme, the UNDP organised two intensive courses in commercial mediation for university law faculties in January and February 2024, taking place in…

The recent post by Ting-Kwok IU examined the Hong Kong Ordinance designed to protect children from abuse and to protect some professionals (excluding mediators) for reporting such abuse. This has put me in mind of section 316  of the New South Wales Crimes Act, which makes it a crime for an adult who fails, without…

In recent months, Brazilian startups such as Hurb and 123 Milhas, two prominent players in the country’s tourism market, have encountered significant financial challenges. These companies offered highly attractive promotional travel packages at exceptionally low prices, creating a large customer base. However, when the financial pressures grew, both companies found themselves unable to fulfill some…

I’m not really a fan of musicals so I was rather surprised to find myself responding to a friend’s recommendation and booking tickets for of ‘Hamilton’. Having taken the plunge I went further and started on Ron Chernow’s epic biography of Alexander Hamilton. Both the performance and the book are excellent. The show is great…