---
title: "Arbitration Definition and Overview | Model Diplomat"
description: "Arbitration is a binding dispute resolution method where impartial arbitrators make final decisions. It's widely used in civil services and legal contexts."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/arbitration"
---

[New](https://modeldiplomat.com/)

#

Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Arbitration is a binding method of dispute settlement in which parties submit their dispute to one or more impartial arbitrators whose award is final and enforceable.
- What is the difference between arbitration and mediation?
- On what grounds can an arbitral award be set aside in India?
- Which convention governs the enforcement of foreign arbitral awards?
- What is the doctrine of kompetenz-kompetenz?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Arbitration is a binding method of dispute settlement in which parties submit their dispute to one or more impartial arbitrators whose award is final and enforceable.

Go beyond the definition

## Research Arbitration like a delegate

Model Diplomat's AI drafts position papers, speeches, and country research with real sources — built for MUN and politics students.

## Research it like a delegate

Research on modeldiplomat.com

## Ask a follow-up about Arbitration

Open a cited briefing in Model Diplomat search — timelines, positions, and sources you can use in committee or exam answers.

[Start research on Arbitration](https://modeldiplomat.com/search?q=Explain%20Arbitration%20%E2%80%94%20key%20dates%2C%20actors%2C%20positions%2C%20and%20sources)

Example

In 2016 a Permanent Court of Arbitration tribunal, constituted under UNCLOS Annex VII, ruled in favour of the Philippines against China, rejecting China's "nine-dash line" claims in the South China Sea.

Keep learning

## Go deeper than the definition

Lessons

[Crisis Diplomacy Conflict Mediation](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/lessons/exam-diplomacy-statecraft-crisis-diplomacy-conflict-mediation)

Courses

[Exam Diplomacy Statecraft](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/courses/exam-diplomacy-statecraft)

[Explore all Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams lessons](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services)[Test yourself with a quiz](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/quiz/civil-services)

## Take Arbitration beyond the glossary

Ask the AI research engine built for diplomacy — get briefings, position papers, and speeches with sources you can cite in committee.