By Gabriel Cavazos Villanueva, Ph.D.

Mexico's energy reforms have had far-reaching effects in the country's political, economic and legal spheres. When an industry is opened to private investment, disputes must be settled in an environment of legal certainty. International arbitration in general, and investment arbitration in particular, are tools that serve both the investor and the state in this regard. The author argues that a balance must be sought between the legitimate interests and expectations of an investor and the public policy interests of the state.