CIArb has published a new policy addressing the use of AI in submissions to its quarterly peer-reviewed journal, Arbitration: The Journal of International Arbitration, Mediation and Dispute Management. The initiative reflects the Institute’s ongoing commitment to maintaining high standards of editorial quality and academic integrity. The development of the policy was led by the Journal’s Editor-in-Chief, Professor S.I. (Stacie) Strong, in collaboration with members of the Journal’s editorial board. Beginning with Volume 92, the policy will be formally incorporated into the Journal’s Editorial Guidelines for all future submissions.
Explaining the reasons for introducing the policy, Professor Strong observed that both legal practitioners and academics are increasingly confronted with claims that AI tools are essential for improving efficiency and performance. However, she noted that AI has also been shown to limit creativity and critical thinking, while at times generating inaccurate or otherwise problematic content.
The policy therefore adopts a balanced approach. Rather than imposing an outright ban on AI, it places defined limits on its use. This approach recognises the growing presence of AI in contemporary legal research and writing, while also seeking to guard against its potential drawbacks.
Professor Strong emphasised that it is important for authors to understand the acceptable boundaries of AI use before they begin researching and drafting their articles. Clear guidance will help authors avoid methods or tools that could make their work ineligible for publication. At the same time, readers need assurance that the scholarship appearing in the Journal remains reliable and intellectually rigorous.
The policy is intended to provide authors with clarity regarding how and to what extent AI may be used in preparing submissions. It also enables readers to understand whether AI has played a role in the creation of published articles and if so, to what degree. CIArb takes pride in being among the first publications in the international dispute resolution field to introduce a comprehensive policy on author use of AI. By taking this step, the Journal hopes to encourage other academic publications to consider similar measures in order to address the challenges posed by AI and to protect the quality of legal scholarship.
The full policy can be found <a href="https://www.ciarb.org/resources/publications/editorial-guidelines/" target="_blank" class="news-text_link">here</a>.
